The Occult Significance of Forgiveness

by Sergei O. Prokofieff, Simon Blaxland-de Lange (Translator)

The Occult Significance of Forgiveness has been read and loved by thousands of readers for years. It is perhaps the most heartfelt, accessible, and succinct of Prokofieff’s works on inner development. If we survey recent and current times we see a gloomy picture of endless conflicts, wars, and widespread turmoil. The human emotional landscape is littered with anger and bitter vengence that fill human thoughts, emotions, and actions. Even modern systems of "justice" are preoccupied with proving guilt and dealing out retribution, doing little to remedy the tragic situation. Nevertheless, there are individuals and groups seeking ways to break the vicious cycles of recrimination. What we can do to change the world for the better? One of the most radical and challenging answers is to forgive others for what they do. In this powerful and moving book, Sergei Prokofieff shows how the forces that lead to forgiveness can be developed consciously and freely. Without preaching morality, he presents spiritual facts of forgiveness that illumine a path of reconciliation. From Tsarist Russia and the concentration camps of Nazi Germany to the infighting during the early years of the Anthroposophical Society, the author offers striking examples of those who have been able to forgive frequently terrible crimes. He provides multilayered analyses and shows the beneficial consequences of each act of forgiveness. As he develops his theme, the importance of forgiving―not simply for personal salvation but for the advancement of human evolution―is revealed in all its healing truth.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Elizabeth Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a profound book. Very profound. In fact, the reason I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that in its profundity, in the fact that Prokofieff's audience is clearly only Anthroposophists, these ideas are not likely to have as wide of a readership or influence as they ought. I wish he had made some effort to "bridge the gap" between these deep ideas and ordinary Christian, spiritually eclectic, or secular readers. That aside, I will be ruminating on many of these insights well into the future. The book explores the spiritual conditions necessary for forgiveness, and the effects of forgiveness on the afterlives of both parties and the course of cosmic evolution.

Especially profound are the sections on the redemption of Lucifer and other evil spiritual beings. I understood for the first time why esotericists talk as they do. What is often misunderstood by mainstream Christians as underestimation of or even worship of Lucifer, is actually a determination to "get close" enough to the enemy to transform him, through an encounter with the power of Christ within oneself, back into a being of light and servant of God. Remarkable.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary book. Forgiveness large and small must become an integral part of our lives if we are to find peace.

[Rain Jewelle Martin]

excellent book! deep and meaningful... not for the feint of heart though

[Jackson Buettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard read but offers a very unique view on Christian philosophy.

[Mervyn Caplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Rings absolutely true for me.