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 True
and False Paths in Spiritual Investigation
11 lectures by Rudolf Steiner
In the
lecture series, True and False Paths in Spiritual
Investigation, Rudolf
Steiner deals with the fundamental aspects of human consciousness,
and the methods of examination of the spiritual realms which surround and permeate
our sense-experienced physical world. He describes how our
relationship to the higher worlds is determined by our soul-physical
constitution, citing how the ancient Chaldeans of the middle-east
saw, thought and felt about the spiritual world in comparison to our
own conditioned outlook.
He proceeds to describe changes
that have occurred in the evolutionary course of time since this
period and how approaches to the spiritual changed accordingly,
bringing us eventually into our own period which is characterised by
the emergence and development of the Consciousness Soul since the
early 15th century, and more specifically, since the
beginning of the Age of Michael in 1879 with its strong solar
influences.
He describes the importance of
using our own independent generative soul forces, our solar forces,
and our Consciousness Soul clarity of mind, to develop the faculties
whereby we consciously ascend into the higher cognitive realms, the
spiritual worlds. He stresses the importance of meditative
exercises as contained in
How to
Know Higher Worlds to give
regularity and balance in the development of the inner organs of
soul and spirit necessary to perceive the higher worlds in an
appropriate and healthy way.
In contrast he points out the
dangers of retreating into earlier modes of consciousness, moon
states of consciousness, where the human being, like the moon,
offers itself passively as a reflector to other forms of
consciousness. Such lunar states are found in such things as
mediumism/channelling, hypnotism, somnambulism (sleepwalking), and
any state where sovereignty over one’s own soul is compromised for
the sake of experiencing psychic/spiritual phenomena. He points out
how such activities, apart from giving unreliable knowledge, invite the activities of beings who are actively
opposed to the Michaelic sun forces which are available to humanity
in this epoch and which humanity needs for its healthy evolution.
Trans: A. H. Parker (11 lectures, Torquay 11 –
22 Aug 1924, GA243); 222pp
Rudolf Steiner Press
ISBN:
1 85584 030 8; paperback
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.
Copyright © 2003 Skylark Books
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