Transforming the Soul (Vol.1)
9 lectures, Munich and Berlin, December 2, 1909 – March 14, 1910 (CW 58)
A previous translation of this work: Metamorphoses of the Soul: Paths of Experience, vol. 1.
In a key series of lectures on personal development, Rudolf Steiner explains that the central mission of spiritual science is to enable people to ascend, in full consciousness, to knowledge of spiritual realities. But, given that the means to achieve spiritual perception are now widely available, there is the danger that some individuals will gain access to the spiritual world whilst harboring impure motives. This can lead to a distorted understanding and vision of that world. Steiner’s emphasis, therefore, is on the preparatory steps— the metamorphosis and purification of the human soul—required for achieving true spiritual enlightenment. Life itself teaches and prepares us for progress, and Anthroposophy explains and brings this to consciousness.
In some of his most lucid lectures, Steiner describes the missions of anger, truth and reverence, the significance of human character, the meaning of asceticism and illness, and the phenomenon of egoism. He also clarifies the differences between Buddhism and Christianity, describes the goal of spiritual science, and makes some esoteric observations about the moon. Throughout the talks Steiner refers to many significant historical figures, including St Augustine, Coleridge, Leonardo da Vinci, Madame Blavatsky, Goethe, Homer, and Shakespeare.
See also the companion lecture course, Transforming the Soul: Volume 2.
This volume is a translation of Metamorphosen des Seelenlebens – Pfade der Seelenerlebnisse: Erster Teil (GA 58). A previous edition of this work: Metamorphoses of the Soul: Paths of Experience, vol. 1.
C O N T E N T S:
1. The Mission of Spiritual Science
2. The Mission of Anger
3. The Mission of Truth
4. The Mission of Reverence
5. Human Character
6. Asceticism and Illness
7. Characterizing Egoism
8. The Buddha and Christ
9. Observations about the Moon in the Light of Spiritual Science
Notes
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 (see right). 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.
Christian von Arnim is the founder and Editor in Chief of News Network Anthroposophy (NNA), “a news agency which covers news and events of interest to anyone wishing to develop a spiritually objective view of the world.” He is an experienced radio and print journalist who has worked with news such organizations as the BBC (World Service) and The Scotsman (Foreign Leader Writer). Christian is the founding Editor of NNA. He has translated and contributed to several books, including Eclipses 2005-2017 and Moon Rhythms in Nature.
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