2018-10-01

Rudolf Steiner

Dr. Rudolf Steiner


The father of modern western spirituality we may well consider to be Dr. Rudolf Steiner, due to his unique scientific approach of inner spiritual research, as well as by driving an unequaled diversity of the practical application thereof.

First riding the wave of Blavatsky's Theosophical movement as its German Section leader, he split to found the Anthroposophical Society in 1913.

Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy inspired many movements and organizations in all kinds of areas: Education as practiced in the Waldorf schools, Social Reform, Medicine, an ecological and sustainable approach to Agriculture as practiced in the so-called Biodynamic agriculture, Architecture, Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Steiner's collected works, making up about 400 volumes, include his writings (about forty volumes), over 6000 lectures, and a substantial body of artistic work. It seems too much for a lifetime, but it's there: anything you want know about the diffenerence between humans, animals, plants and minerals, about the spiritual bodies and the development and evolution of man.and earth, about reincarnation and life between death and birth, the workings of karma and karmic research, how to gain consciousness on higher levels, about health and disease, mysticism and occultism, religion, the life and spiritual meaning of Christ, etc.
 
From a very young age Steiner was interested in nature and in "the invisible world" as opposed to our visible world. He also had a strong scientific interest and graduated from the Vienna Institute of Technology (Technische Hochschule), where he studied mathematics, physics, and philosophy. In line with this interest and education, the essence of his approach towards the study of and investigation in the invisable spiritual realms has always been that these should be approached in a scientific manner as well. All facts found should be verifiable for everyone. And, in later phases in his life: eventually these spiritual facts should lead to practical application in the everyday life and world as well, leading to a more harmonious environment for all living beings. Steiner sought with Anthroposophy to create a scientific, not faith-based, spirituality, aimed at the freedom and development of all indivuals, and is therefor approachable for everyone.

Dr. Rudolf Steiner was born february 27th 1861 in Kraljevec, Austria and died march 30th 1925 in Dornach Switzerland.


A PERSONAL NOTE
The style and depth of Rudolf Steiner's publications has thrilled me from my early twenties ; thrills that literally went up and down my spine when reading "Theosophy" or "The Philosophy of Freedom". A wealth of knowledge and inspiration, also due to his hard-working and incorruptible personality.

From some viewpoint it can perhaps be said that the increasing focal point of the anthroposophical movement towards practical application of spiritual knowledge in the material world leads the attention away from our deepest spiritual goals. Nevertheless, and with this in mind, there is something beautiful here to be found for everyone interested in spiritual development.


About...
 Organizations...
 Publications...
Architecture...
 Biodynamic Agriculture...
 Quotes...
"Our highest endeavor must be to develop free human beings who are able of themselves to impart purpose and direction to their lives. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education.""

"To be free is to be capable of thinking one's own thoughts - not the thoughts merely of the body, or of society, but thoughts generated by one's deepest, most original, most essential and spiritual self, one's individuality."

"A body, in effect, is only part and parcel of another body, but the self, the ‘I’ of man exists in and by itself alone - I am I.”

 

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