Five Essential Study Books Written by Rudolf Steiner
Rudolf Steiner wrote these books intending to serve and remain as a foundation to all of the anthroposophical writings and lectures.
Theosophy
‘Theosophy’ was first published in 1961. The book starts with a exquisite illustration of the three fold nature of man ––– body, soul, and spirit. The following is a description of destiny, reincarnation and karma. The end of the chapter then discuss the vast view of the seven regions of the soul, the seven regions of the spirits, and after death when soul journeys on through these worlds. Later on, Steiner comments on briefly the path to higher knowledge in the fifth chapter.
Philosophy of Freedom
This book was published in 1961. It is said this book is Steiner’s most Important philosophical writings, examining the schooling of how man recognise himself and the world, and realisation of freedom in man. At the beginning of the book Steiner concerns the activity of thinking in order to display the knowledge in real nature. The conviction of the new idea of thinking is presented there, proving the limits to knowledge is a self inflicted limit which is opposite to its truth. Steiner deals with the subject of freedom in the last half of the book. The point is not freedom for human rights, but more subtle ---- freedom of our will. It addresses the thinking activity, from which arises the possibility of deeds, in free human being.
Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment
This essential calling for the path to higher knowledge describes the exercises and disciplines a student of the spiritual knowledge must seak to obtain a wakeful experience of supernatural existence. Steiner first describe the fundamental attitude of the studen's soul,––– veneration (respectfulness), reverence and devotion ––– feeling that there is always something higher than oneself. The attainment of the knowledge described here is safe ; it will not restrict the student's capacity to conduct a normal outer life.
Christianity As Mystical Fact
Rudolf Steiner brings up the esoteric Christianity which survey Egypt and Greece, of their ancient mythological wisdom. In this work Rudolf Steiner summons how this wisdom influenced a immense metamorphoses into a historical happening in the mystery of Golgotha.
Outline of Occult Science
This immense work starts with a thorough dialogue and interpretation of the word “occult” science. Steiner describes the nature of supersensible human beings in the followings, together with his view of dreams, sleep, death, life between death and rebirth, and reincarnation. Later on in the fourth chapter evolution is explained from the frame of initiation science. The fifth chapter distinguish the schooling a student must attempt to become a pioneer. The end two chapters contemplate the further evolution of the world and more intricate investigation on supersensible existence.
Images: The Paintings on the Ceiling at First Goetheanum by Rudolf Steiner