True and False Paths of Spiritual Research (CW 243)

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True and False Paths of Spiritual Research

11 lectures in Torquay, England, August 11–22, 1924 (CW 243)

“Bearing in mind we are dealing here with spiritual research and not just spiritual experiences in general, a ‘true’ path in this sense is one that leads to genuine and reliable results that advance our knowledge of the human being and the world. A ‘false’ path is one that uses methods that are inappropriate for the subject, or anachronistic, or occur in a drug-altered or dulled state of consciousness; for although these may involve momentous experience for the experiencer, they tend to be too subjective or chaotic to be of value for the purposes of knowledge” (from the introduction).

In these cherished lectures, Rudolf Steiner posits a question: Why investigate the spiritual worlds at all? He then explores the contemporary need for spiritual knowledge and authentic paths that can lead to it.

Speaking in Torquay, England, at the International Summer School (organized by his friend and colleague D.N. Dunlop), Steiner surveys the differences in various types of consciousness—from ancient to modern times, in waking and dreaming, from space into time—and the changes that have taken place in relation to knowledge and science in history.

Rudolf Steiner then discusses the mystery nature of crystallized minerals and metals, such as copper and silver, and their relationship to the planets. He also describes how the ages of life can become organs of perception. In a dramatic conclusion Steiner explains the role of moon beings; ahrimanic elemental beings; and the true nature of mediumship, ectoplasm, and spiritual possession.

Presented here in a fresh translation that corrects many errors in previous editions, the text is complemented with notes, an introduction by Paul King, and an index.

This volume is a translation from German of Das Initiaten – Bewußtsein. Die wahren und die falschen Wege der geistigen Forschung (GA 243). The previous edition was titled True and False Paths in Spiritual Investigation (1985).

C O N T E N T S:

Editor’s Preface
Introduction by Paul King

1.  Nature Is the Great Illusion: “Know Thyself”
2.  The Three Worlds and their Reflected Images
3.  Form and Substantiality of the Mineral Kingdom in relation to Human Levels of Consciousness
4.  The Secret of Research into other Realms through the Metamorphosis of Consciousness
5.  The Inner Enlivening of the Soul through the Qualities of Metals
6.  Initiation Science
7   Star Knowledge
8.  Possible Aberrations in Spiritual Research
9.  Abnormal Ways into the Spiritual World and How to Transform Them
10. Influences of the Extraterrestrial Cosmos as Human Consciousness
11. To What Extent is Spiritual Research Accepted?

Notes and References
Rudolf Steiner’s Collected Works
Significant Events in the Life of Rudolf Steiner
Index

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.

Additional information

Weight 20 oz
Dimensions 6 × 0.75 × 9 in
Author

Translator

A. H. Parker, Harry Collison

Introduction

Paul King

ISBN13

9781855845763

Published

November 2020

Format

Paperback

Pages

246

CW/GA

CW 243

Publisher

Rudolf Steiner Press

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