Self Transformation
12 selected lectures by Rudolf Steiner
on the modern path of meditation and inner development

At the heart of Rudolf Steiner's spiritual philosophy is the path of inner development which engenders personal growth and self transformation. Steiner shows how, through specific meditative exercises, it is possible to transcend the restricted world of everyday consciousness and to enter a world which is the source and foundation of our sense-bound experience. This transformation offers a perspective that can lead to solutions to the most fundamental problems of human existence. He gives advice on the development of inner qualities such as clear thinking, inner tranquility and positivity, which along with other attributes, lay the necessary foundations for further esoteric development. Following such stages of preparation, further exercises are undertaken regularly which in the course of time dissolve the apparent boundaries imposed by physical, sense-bound consciousness and open our perceptions to realms that have been ‘occulted’ (hidden) for millennia.

In contrast to many of the New Age paths available today, Steiner's methods are based on the Western esoteric route, a contemporary Rosicrucian path of initiation, as opposed to older Eastern teachings. This modern way, he suggests, is a metamorphosis of the Eastern paths which takes into account transformations and developments in human consciousness which have occurred since the time when these older paths were relevant. Speaking as an initiate, he describes the levels of attainment on this spiritual journey, the first being 'Imagination' where the spiritual world is revealed in pictures, followed by 'Inspiration' where direct perception and exchange with the Beings of the higher worlds occurs; and finally the pure 'Intuition' state of consciousness where the aspirant enters into the very thought, will and spiritual substance other beings and can truly ‘know’ the essential nature of the World through dimensions of perception which cannot be imagined by ordinary consciousness.

Rudolf Steiner Press
256pp; paperback
ISBN: 1 85584 019 7

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy 'anthroposophy', which he defined as 'the consciousness of one's humanity', and the disciplined methods of studying this he termed ‘spiritual science’.  As a highly developed clairvoyant and spiritual initiate, he spoke from his direct cognition of the spiritual world. However, he did not see his work as religious or sectarian, but rather sought to found a universal 'science of the spirit'.

His many published works (written books and lectures) - which include his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development - invite readers to develop their own spiritual faculties.  He also provided indications for the renewal of many human activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. He wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe, and in 1924 founded the General Anthroposophical Society which today has branches throughout the world.

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