The Samaritan Course

The Samaritan Course

Notes from lectures in Dornach, Aug. 13–16, 1914 (CW 56)

In his Preface, Rolf Heine explains:

“Rudolf Steiner’s description of the occult background of wound healing and the spiritual significance of human assistance have their origins in a concrete occasion—the fathomless suffering of the soldiers on the battle fields of the First World War—but they turn toward an important future faculty of the human being: the healing power of love.”

These lectures have been preserved in fragments and include three mantras that can guide the reader to develop this healing power of love.

An additional lecture is also included: “Thoughts for the Times on the Destinies of Individuals and of Nations” given in Berlin on Sept. 1, 1914

About the Author

Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe’s scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner’s multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.