Theosophy: An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man

By Rudolf Steiner

Book Overview

2011 Reprint of 1922 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. This book, subtitled "An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man", is a good starting point among the hundreds of books written by Rudolf Steiner. He sees a tripartate model of the individual here: body, soul and spirit, cautioning us that these are only approximate terms. In the course of this short two hundred page book we explore higher realities which have eluded the scientific method: planes of seething elemental spirits, zones wandered by reincarnating entities, and more abstract 'places' where Platonic Archetypes dwell. He explains how auras are one modality of these higher existences which we can view in our present form. Steiner provides a precise, phenomenological description of his own supersensible experiences and the supersensible phenomena revealed by them. "Theosophy" is organized in four parts. First, Steiner builds up a comprehensive understanding of human nature, beginning with the physical bodily nature and moving up through the soul nature to our spiritual being: the "I" and the higher spiritual aspects of our being. This then leads to the experience of the human being as a sevenfold interpenetrated being of body, soul, and spirit. Secondly, Steiner gives an extraordinary overview of the laws of reincarnation and the workings of karma as we pass from one life to the next. Thirdly, Steiner shows the different ways in;which we live, during this life on earth and after death, in the three worlds of body, soul and spirit, as well as the ways in which these worlds in turn live into us. Fourthly, a succinct description is given of the path of knowledge by which each one of us can begin to understand the marvelous and harmonious complexity of the psycho-spiritual worlds in the fullness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1614270503
• ISBN13: 9781614270508
• Release Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Martino Fine Books
• Length: 162 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Much Needed Wisdom for American Culture

The wisdom in this book is exactly what is needed in America today. In this book, Steiner takes care to scientifically explain his knowledge of human spiritual existence, as he himself has observed it. It is a great help in bridging the gap, so prominent in our culture, between science and spirituality. It is a little difficult to get through in terms of its ease of readability, but don't let that hinder you. The book is written that way on purpose so that as you work through it (re-reading sentences sometimes more than twice) it expands your mind to allow it to accept more complex concepts. I recommend it for everyone.

STIMULATING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING

This work by Steiner covers the fundamentals of spirituality and mankind's place in the cosmos. Chapter One deals with the essential nature of the human being as body, soul and spirit, beginning with the physical bodily nature and concluding with the higher spiritual aspects of our being. The picture that emerges is one of the human being in an evolving process of becoming, where the agent of transformation is the "I". Chapter Two covers destiny and the reincarnation of the human spirit, while Chapter Three discusses other dimensions of consciousness like the soul world, the spirit world and their connection with the physical world and includes with a section on thought forms and the human aura. These worlds are not to be considered spatially, but are states of consciousness, qualitative spaces of inner relationship. Chapter Four discusses the individual's spiritual path and encourages the acquisition of spiritual knowledge with the emphasis on thinking and proving truth for oneself. Steiner sees the first step in this path of knowledge as the assimilation of scientific spiritual concepts. He asks the reader not to "believe" what he says, but to "think" it. It is not a question of belief but of experience. Here his thoughts correspond with those of Jung as explained in Stephan Hoeller's great book The Gnostic Jung And The Seven Sermons To The Dead - that mankind has a need of religious experience, not of belief. Unlike a major portion of Eastern thought which believes in the dissolution of individuality, Steiner`s view is that spiritual growth does not take place at the expense of individuality, but through its enhancement. A similar idea can be found in Thomas Troward's beautiful book The Creative Process In The Individual. I would also like to recommend the following works for those interested in spirituality: Cosmic Consciousness by R M Bucke and The Varieties Of Religious Experience by William James. Theosophy is a thought-provoking book that ought to be studied rather than read. The book concludes with a thorough index and a short biography and photograph of Rudolf Steiner. It has stimulated my interest to investigate his other works.

Occultists you need to read this

This book accomplishes admirably a view of the world that is not only "new age" but lucid and coherent. He gets around some of the knottier problems of the theology of the soul in very intersting ways. This book is so close to what I have been slowly discovering, that it helped me remove some of the blocks I had concerning spiritual principles. As always verify the truth of this stuff for yourself. But, if you are a beginning occult student who is looking for someone who is trying to help you, this book is a great place to start.

A difficult read, yet profound.

Reading this book was a challenge, even within the confinfes of a study group. I find myself going back to the book every couple of months as I make connections to my life and gain more understanding of the book. I find this book to be an essential part of my quest for self-actualization. Steiner uses the scientific method to explore and explain the various facets of the human being. His exploration of the modern topics of life, matter, feeling, thinking, the sensible and the supersensible, show that he was light years ahead of his time (1909?). If you are looking for the meaning of life, then this is the book to start with. If you wish to learn more about the Truth of thinking and cognition, the you need to buy his book The Philosophy of Freedom.

A profoundly comphrehensive portrait of the Universe.

By applying the rigours of the scientific method to the inner world of one's thoughts, Rudolf Steiner brings his vast knowledge and intellect to bear on describing in outline the stages and cycles of development that have been undergone by the Cosmos in the course of its continuing development. Deliniation is made between the natures of the physical body, growth body, passion body, and Ego. Then ensues a discussion of the relationship of the "I" inner-world to the external manifest world in which we find ourselves. Concluding this work is a brief description of how an individual may come to know the realities described through a process of inner self-transformation. The contents of this book are worthy of extended study by anyone that considers themselves a philosopher, scientist, or seeker of truth.