- RUDOLF STEINER
- OTHER AUTHORS
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REINCARNATION, KARMA AND LIFE AFTER DEATHRUDOLF STEINER
AN EXERCISE FOR KARMIC INSIGHT
'There is the possibility of a comparatively quick maturing of insight into karmic relationships if, for a considerable time, we try patiently, and with inner energy, to picture with greater and greater consciousness an experience which would otherwise simply take its course, without being properly grasped, and fade away in the course of life...
Exploring Our Suprasensory Nature
Previously published as Supersensible Man.
in Relation to Cosmic Facts
In an absorbing series of lectures, Rudolf Steiner discloses factors in a person’s life on Earth that will influence their experiences in the spiritual world after their death – and conversely, factors in the spiritual world that will affect their next life on Earth. Steiner focuses on the period in the afterlife when the individual has been through kamaloka – the purgatorial place where the soul is purified. Once the soul has been cleansed of its astral sheath, it becomes open to cosmic influences, expanding into the planetary sphere. Now it can begin preparation for reincarnation – for a new human life on Earth. Steiner addresses the vital relationship of the living to the dead – in particular, how those on Earth can influence the souls of the dead. He also speaks on themes of ‘Sleep and death’, ‘The seven-year life cycles of man’, and offers a ‘Christmas gift’ in the form of a lecture on Christian Rosenkreutz and Gautama Buddha. He ends with a mighty picture of the Mystery of Golgotha: Jesus Christ’s death on the cross was only seemingly a death; in reality it enabled the momentous birth of the Earth-Soul.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
“What may be seen in the thoughts and memories left behind in the souls of those who love the dead is certainly added to the world that the dead need directly, but it also elevates, improves the existence of the dead. We could compare this to art in the physical world, but there is no comparison, because it is uplifting for the dead, an improvement, in a sense far superior to the way in which art improves the physical world for us. Thus, it has a deep meaning when we unite our thoughts with those of the dead.” (from the first lecture)
'All historical life, all social life, all ethical life, proceed by virtue of the co-operation between the so-called living and the so-called dead. Our whole being can be infinitely strengthened when we are conscious not only of our firm stand here in the physical world, but are filled with the inner realization of being able to say of the dead whom we have loved: they are with us, they are in our midst.'
DEATH AS METAMORPHOSIS OF LIFE
The Collected Works of Rudolf Steiner
This jewel of a book - consisting of seven lectures given in various cities, mostly in 1918 - movingly and with great spiritual maturity and rare emotional intensity expresses Rudolf Steiner's wisdom, insight, and compassion.
INFLUENCE OF THE DEAD ON DESTINY
In these extraordinary lectures, Steiner explicates the manifold ways in which the so-called dead participate continuously in the lives of those on Earth. He begins by using concrete examples to establish the fact that the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds is “right in the middle of the Human being”. It is in the gap between the “sensory”, or motor, nerves. According to Rudolf Steiner, there are not two kinds of nerves but only one, divided by a gap, or interruption, that is in fact the boundary between physical and spiritual realities.
“When faced with the way events are depicted in history, we should sense how necessary it is to rethink them. We should sense that today’s difficult time, which has brought such misery upon humanity, is the karmic effect of distorted, superficial thinking. We should sense that the painful experiences we are going through are in many respects the karma of materialism.” —Rudolf Steiner
Secret Societies, the Media, and Preparations for the Great War - Volume 1
Although these lectures were given during 1916, they have much to teach us about the political spin, media distortions, propaganda and downright lies we encounter on a daily basis in public life. Rudolf Steiner's calm and methodological approach penetrates the smokescreen of accusations and counterclaims, of illusion and untruth, surrounding the Great War. Hiding behind this fog, and under the guise of outer events, he reveals the true spiritual struggle that is taking place. His words give a deeper understanding of the politics and world conflicts that confront us today through the filter of the media.
Secret Societies, the Media, and Preparations for the Great War - Volume 2
Although these lectures were given during 1916, they have much to teach us about the political spin, media distortions, propaganda and downright lies we encounter on a daily basis in public life. Rudolf Steiner's calm and methodological approach penetrates the smokescreen of accusations and counterclaims, of illusion and untruth, surrounding the Great War. Hiding behind this fog, and under the guise of outer events, he reveals the true spiritual struggle that is taking place. His words give a deeper understanding of the politics and world conflicts that confront us today through the filter of the media.
Esoteric Studies
Volume 3
During 1924, before his last address in September, Rudolf Steiner gave over eighty lectures on the subject of karma to members of the Anthroposophical Society. These profoundly esoteric lectures examine the underlying laws inherent in reincarnation and karma, and explore in detail the incarnations of specific historical figures. In Rudolf Steiner's words, the study of karma is "... a matter of penetrating into the most profound mysteries of existence, for within the sphere of karma and the course it takes lie those processes which are the basis of the other phenomena of world existence..."
Esoteric Studies
Volume 6
During 1924, before his last address in September, Rudolf Steiner gave over eighty lectures on the subject of karma to members of the Anthroposophical Society. These profoundly esoteric lectures examine the underlying laws inherent in reincarnation and karma, and explore in detail the incarnations of specific historical figures. In Rudolf Steiner's words, the study of karma is "... a matter of penetrating into the most profound mysteries of existence, for within the sphere of karma and the course it takes lie those processes which are the basis of the other phenomena of world existence..."
Esoteric Studies
Volume 7
During 1924, before his last address in September, Rudolf Steiner gave over eighty lectures on the subject of karma to members of the Anthroposophical Society. These profoundly esoteric lectures examine the underlying laws inherent in reincarnation and karma, and explore in detail the incarnations of specific historical figures. In Rudolf Steiner's words, the study of karma is "... a matter of penetrating into the most profound mysteries of existence, for within the sphere of karma and the course it takes lie those processes which are the basis of the other phenomena of world existence..."
Esoteric Studies
Volume 5
The difference between "moon karma" and "sun karma", the influences of Christian and Mohammedan thinking, the transformation of inner human qualities from one life to the next, and much more.
Esoteric Studies
Volume 2
During 1924, before his last address in September, Rudolf Steiner gave over eighty lectures on the subject of karma to members of the Anthroposophical Society. These profoundly esoteric lectures examine the underlying laws of reincarnation and karma, and explore in detail the incarnations of certain named historical figures. In Rudolf Steiner's words, the study of karma is '…a matter of penetrating into the most profound mysteries of existence, for within the sphere of karma and the course it takes lie those processes which are the basis of the other phenomena of world-existence...'
LIFE BETWEEN DEATH AND REBIRTH
In these lectures Steiner deals with the experiences of the human soul during and after death. On the basis of precise clairvoyant observations, he describes the events experienced during the millennium of the soul’s journey within the vast realms of soul and spirit between death and rebirth.
Selected Lectures
Although western humanity has conquered the outer world with the aid of technology and science, death remains an unsolved and largely unexplored mystery. Rudolf Steiner, an exceptional seer, was able to research spiritually the question of what happens to human consciousness after the physical body passes away. In these remarkably matter-of-fact lectures he affirms that life continues beyond death. Far from being dissipated, the individual's consciousness awakens to a new reality, beginning a great journey to the farthest expanses of the cosmos. Here it embarks on a process of purification and preparation.
Why do people have such differing events and circumstances to deal with in their lives? What are the meanings of diseases, illnesses, accidents and natural disasters? From his clairvoyant spiritual research, Rudolf Steiner speaks of karma, or destiny, as a reality - an actual scientific phenomenon which can and should be understood today.
The Nature and Significance of Central Europe and the European Folk-Spirits
Speaking during the early stages of the First World War – with the Western Front just miles away and thousands of young men dying – Rudolf Steiner focuses on the subject of death. In particular, he addresses the difficult question of why some people die prematurely, particularly in youth. Steiner also speaks of the deaths of three of his acquaintances, having made contact with their living souls in the afterlife. He voices their own words and describes the first stages of their journeys after death.
Memorial, Funeral, and Cremation Addresses
This book collects Rudolf Steiner's memorial, funeral, and cremation addresses, as well as a sampling of prayers and meditations for the dead. The context, intimate and sober with grief, means that his intent is quite other than if he had been speaking in a lecture hall. His primary concerns "while based on spiritual-scientific research and, in some cases, the actual living expression of it in real time" are ethical and existential and, at the same time, ceremonial and communal. He stands as speaker before and for the living "relations, friends, and community members" and for the one who has died, even, in a way, for the greater "cloud" of all the dead. With his feet planted firmly on the Earth, Steiner moves seamlessly between the sensory-physical, embodied world and the invisible, suprasensory, discarnate one. Speaking in an intimate, personal manner to both worlds, he unites the living and the dead with words that are both practical and healing.
on the Spiritual Path
What is the relationship between those who have died and those who remain alive on earth? Can we help those now in the spiritual world? Can they help us?
In this set of lectures, which contains some of Steiner's most important teachings on the subject, Rudolf Steiner describes the development of "feeling memory" and gives many other exercises that lead to real knowledge of karma and reincarnation. Examples are also given of how karmic effects pass between incarnations and the impact of the idea of reincarnation on our moral lives is clearly shown.
SPIRITUAL LIFE NOW AND AFTER DEATH
Forming Our Destiny in the Physical and Spiritual Worlds
Rudolf Steiner delivered these lectures near the end of 1915 and the beginning of World War I, when the issue of death and destiny weighed on the minds of many in Europe. He describes the process of crossing the threshold of death to life in the spiritual world; the soul’s experience immediately after death and the process of forming one’s destiny, or karma, while we remain on Earth and later in the spirit world. Steiner also discusses the importance of our connection with those who have died and how love and reverence to the memory of the dead must be united with our love for the physical world, and how we can strengthen ourselves through meditation.
A WESTERN APPROACH TO REINCARNATION AND KARMA
Edited by René Querido
'Vista' series
René Querido presents an historical overview of the western perspective of karma and rebirth, which he places in context with the spiritual-scientific research of Rudolf Steiner. He has chosen a representative selection of Steiner's lectures and writings that discuss the causes and effects of karma in relation to world events, natural phenomena, illness, and much more.
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REINCARNATION, KARMA AND LIFE AFTER DEATHOTHER AUTHORS
After Death Communications of a Young Artist Who Died in World War I
Anon
Communications from a young musician names Sigwart to his sister, after his death in 1915. After experiencing an inner unrest leading to the feeling that her brother was trying to contact her, she gradually achieved conscious contact with him, receiving the remarkable messages included here.
THE PATH OF THE SOUL AFTER DEATH
The Community of the Living and the Dead as Witnessed by Rudolf Steiner in his Eulogies and Farewell Addresses
Peter Selg
Rudolf Steiner saw relationships with the dead as the 'religious attitude of the future', in the highest sense. Becoming comfortable with thinking and speaking of the dead as concretely as we speak of the living will profoundly affect human activity. To Steiner, the 'enlivening' and even the 'sanctification' of earthly existence are not merely connected directly with our relationship to death and to the deceased; in fact, that relationship deepens these qualities and makes them possible. Steiner spoke frequently about death and the human soul's continued existence, as well as about the importance of establishing a new kind of community that unites spiritually active human souls that endure beyond death.
How the Bible Reveals Reincarnation
Edward Reaugh Smith
Here are amazing insights showing reincarnation to be deeply and powerfully revealed in the Bible's most fundamental aspects. How and why have these insights escaped attention for so long? At last, they are uncovered here by a confluence of conventional Bible study and the epochal spiritual discoveries of Rudolf Steiner.
Human Pre-existence and the Journey toward Birth
Peter Selg
As anyone who has had a child knows, newborns enter the earthly world as beings different from their parents. They arrive with their own individuality, being, and history. From the beginning, they manifest an essential dignity and a unique 'I', which they brought with them from the spiritual world.
Coming to Terms with the Death of My Child
Karin V. Schilling
The author's 14-year-old daughter Saskia died instantly in a car accident. This is her account of the long odyssey to understanding.
