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Rosicrucian wisdom: an introduction
One of Steiner's most complete introductions to modern spirituality. Based on the stream of Rosicrucian teaching -- not old ideas from historical tradition, but a wholly new contribution arising from the results of his experiential research -- he portrays the Rosicrucian path as most appropriate for modern spiritual seekers. He warns that this should not be taken as abstract theory but as spiritual ideas that must reach into daily activity and transform every aspect of life. He describes the law of destiny, life after death, developing spiritual sight, human evolution, and much more.
- GenresOccult
194 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2000
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About the author
Rudolf Steiner
4,338 books1,100 followersAuthor also wrote under the name Rudolph Steiner.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner was an Austrian occultist, social reformer, architect, esotericist, and claimed clairvoyant. Steiner gained initial recognition at the end of the nineteenth century as a literary critic and published works including The Philosophy of Freedom. At the beginning of the twentieth century he founded an esoteric spiritual movement, anthroposophy, with roots in German idealist philosophy and theosophy. His teachings are influenced by Christian Gnosticism or neognosticism. Many of his ideas are pseudoscientific. He was also prone to pseudohistory.
In the first, more philosophically oriented phase of this movement, Steiner attempted to find a synthesis between science and spirituality. His philosophical work of these years, which he termed "spiritual science", sought to apply what he saw as the clarity of thinking characteristic of Western philosophy to spiritual questions, differentiating this approach from what he considered to be vaguer approaches to mysticism. In a second phase, beginning around 1907, he began working collaboratively in a variety of artistic media, including drama, dance and architecture, culminating in the building of the Goetheanum, a cultural centre to house all the arts. In the third phase of his work, beginning after World War I, Steiner worked on various ostensibly applied projects, including Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine.
Steiner advocated a form of ethical individualism, to which he later brought a more explicitly spiritual approach. He based his epistemology on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's world view in which "thinking…is no more and no less an organ of perception than the eye or ear. Just as the eye perceives colours and the ear sounds, so thinking perceives ideas." A consistent thread that runs through his work is the goal of demonstrating that there are no limits to human knowledge.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Rudolf Joseph Lorenz Steiner was an Austrian occultist, social reformer, architect, esotericist, and claimed clairvoyant. Steiner gained initial recognition at the end of the nineteenth century as a literary critic and published works including The Philosophy of Freedom. At the beginning of the twentieth century he founded an esoteric spiritual movement, anthroposophy, with roots in German idealist philosophy and theosophy. His teachings are influenced by Christian Gnosticism or neognosticism. Many of his ideas are pseudoscientific. He was also prone to pseudohistory.
In the first, more philosophically oriented phase of this movement, Steiner attempted to find a synthesis between science and spirituality. His philosophical work of these years, which he termed "spiritual science", sought to apply what he saw as the clarity of thinking characteristic of Western philosophy to spiritual questions, differentiating this approach from what he considered to be vaguer approaches to mysticism. In a second phase, beginning around 1907, he began working collaboratively in a variety of artistic media, including drama, dance and architecture, culminating in the building of the Goetheanum, a cultural centre to house all the arts. In the third phase of his work, beginning after World War I, Steiner worked on various ostensibly applied projects, including Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and anthroposophical medicine.
Steiner advocated a form of ethical individualism, to which he later brought a more explicitly spiritual approach. He based his epistemology on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's world view in which "thinking…is no more and no less an organ of perception than the eye or ear. Just as the eye perceives colours and the ear sounds, so thinking perceives ideas." A consistent thread that runs through his work is the goal of demonstrating that there are no limits to human knowledge.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 1, 2016
Listened to audio version while driving the past two days. Very good.
This provides the imaginative spiritual vision that inspired the Inkling Owen Barfield throughout his adult life and writing career.
Hoo boy, and what a vision! It is worked out in great detail and has its own beauty. I have the same response to this as I had when reading Dante, so long ago, then years later Augustine, and finally Auqinas in which they describe our lives in the world, each of us surrounded with teaming spiritual beings. It always leaves me feeling that I was raised in a spiritual desert in the evangelical home I came from. And so I am drawn to the visions of those writers because they have something big, new, and beautiful to me.
I read Steiner to understand the writings of Owen Barfield. I suppose I am drawn to explore the visions of others. In this case I really enjoyed that same sense of a world teaming with spiritual beings, that matter as they interact with our lives and who we unknowingly contribute to the strugglers in their lives..
I give it four stars because it is well written, it is a remarkable vision, and I can't honestly give it less.
Do I recommend it? Not for everyone. I would for someone interested in Barfield, or mysticism, Theosophy/Anthroposophy, or for someone looking for something to believe in. It might do the trick for some, or for someone like me who gets great aesthetic pleasure from reading about and picturing such imagin�tive spiritual visions.
This provides the imaginative spiritual vision that inspired the Inkling Owen Barfield throughout his adult life and writing career.
Hoo boy, and what a vision! It is worked out in great detail and has its own beauty. I have the same response to this as I had when reading Dante, so long ago, then years later Augustine, and finally Auqinas in which they describe our lives in the world, each of us surrounded with teaming spiritual beings. It always leaves me feeling that I was raised in a spiritual desert in the evangelical home I came from. And so I am drawn to the visions of those writers because they have something big, new, and beautiful to me.
I read Steiner to understand the writings of Owen Barfield. I suppose I am drawn to explore the visions of others. In this case I really enjoyed that same sense of a world teaming with spiritual beings, that matter as they interact with our lives and who we unknowingly contribute to the strugglers in their lives..
I give it four stars because it is well written, it is a remarkable vision, and I can't honestly give it less.
Do I recommend it? Not for everyone. I would for someone interested in Barfield, or mysticism, Theosophy/Anthroposophy, or for someone looking for something to believe in. It might do the trick for some, or for someone like me who gets great aesthetic pleasure from reading about and picturing such imagin�tive spiritual visions.
December 15, 2013
Even though I have studied the work of Rudolf Steiner for many years I found that these lectures summarized and augmented my knowledge. Since he is speaking to and audience in England there is a slightly different emphasis that in lectures held in Germany and Dornach. The book made me curious about real Rosicrucianism (not the superficial AMORC version).
I need time to meditate on these lectures. It is a lot to digest.
I need time to meditate on these lectures. It is a lot to digest.
April 23, 2023
"Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction" by Rudolf Steiner is a thought-provoking book that delves into the esoteric teachings of the Rosicrucian tradition. Steiner, a prominent philosopher, occultist, and spiritual teacher, provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and symbolism associated with the Rosicrucian philosophy.
The book begins with an exploration of the historical origins and evolution of the Rosicrucian tradition, tracing its roots back to the enigmatic Rosicrucian manifestos of the 17th century and delving into its influences on Western esotericism and occultism. Steiner then delves into the core teachings of Rosicrucian wisdom, including its cosmology, spiritual practices, and understanding of human nature.
One of the strengths of this book is Steiner's ability to present complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. He elucidates the principles of Rosicrucianism with depth and clarity, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its symbolism, rituals, and practical applications. Steiner also provides practical exercises and meditations for readers to explore and integrate Rosicrucian wisdom into their own spiritual practices.
Another notable aspect of "Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction" is Steiner's emphasis on the inner transformation and development of the individual. He highlights the importance of self-awareness, self-discipline, and inner growth as fundamental aspects of the Rosicrucian path. Steiner also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions, and how they are intertwined in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
However, it's important to note that Steiner's writing can be dense and challenging at times, and readers unfamiliar with esoteric or occult teachings may find some concepts difficult to grasp. Additionally, Steiner's views and interpretations may not resonate with everyone, as his writings are based on his own spiritual beliefs and may not align with other philosophical or religious perspectives.
In conclusion, "Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction" is a thought-provoking and informative book that provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of the Rosicrucian tradition. Steiner's insights and perspectives offer valuable insights for those interested in esoteric teachings, inner transformation, and spiritual development. However, readers should approach this book with an open mind and critical thinking, and be willing to engage with Steiner's ideas on their own terms.
The book begins with an exploration of the historical origins and evolution of the Rosicrucian tradition, tracing its roots back to the enigmatic Rosicrucian manifestos of the 17th century and delving into its influences on Western esotericism and occultism. Steiner then delves into the core teachings of Rosicrucian wisdom, including its cosmology, spiritual practices, and understanding of human nature.
One of the strengths of this book is Steiner's ability to present complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner. He elucidates the principles of Rosicrucianism with depth and clarity, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its symbolism, rituals, and practical applications. Steiner also provides practical exercises and meditations for readers to explore and integrate Rosicrucian wisdom into their own spiritual practices.
Another notable aspect of "Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction" is Steiner's emphasis on the inner transformation and development of the individual. He highlights the importance of self-awareness, self-discipline, and inner growth as fundamental aspects of the Rosicrucian path. Steiner also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of existence, including the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions, and how they are intertwined in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
However, it's important to note that Steiner's writing can be dense and challenging at times, and readers unfamiliar with esoteric or occult teachings may find some concepts difficult to grasp. Additionally, Steiner's views and interpretations may not resonate with everyone, as his writings are based on his own spiritual beliefs and may not align with other philosophical or religious perspectives.
In conclusion, "Rosicrucian Wisdom: An Introduction" is a thought-provoking and informative book that provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of the Rosicrucian tradition. Steiner's insights and perspectives offer valuable insights for those interested in esoteric teachings, inner transformation, and spiritual development. However, readers should approach this book with an open mind and critical thinking, and be willing to engage with Steiner's ideas on their own terms.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews