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This recent translation of a masterwork of esotericism places humankind at the very heart of the vast, invisible processes of cosmic evolution. When we use the term natural science don't we mean that we are dealing with knowledge of nature?
Esoteric science is the science of what takes place esoterically, in the sense that it is perceived not outside in nature but where one's soul turns when it directs its inner being toward the spirit. Esoteric science is the opposite and counterpart of natural science. —Rudolf Steiner
As vital and relevant as when it was first published in 1910, this masterpiece of esoteric, Rudolf Steiner worked and reworked on rosicrucian cosmology for many years to make it increasingly precise and accurate. This work remains the most effective presentation to date of a spiritual alternative to contemporary materialist cosmologies and the Darwinian view of human nature and evolution.
In this basic work of spiritual science, readers learn how the creation and evolution of humanity is embedded at the heart of the vast, invisible web of interacting cosmic beings, through whom the alchemical processes of cosmic evolution unfold. There are also descriptions of the various bodies of the human being, their relationship to sleep and death, and a detailed, practical guide to the methods or exercises, including the Rose Cross Meditation," through which such initiation knowledge can be attained.
Most remarkable and revolutionary of all, perhaps, is the central function that Rudolf Steiner allots to the Christ and to the entrance of Christ into earthly evolution through the Mystery of Golgotha.
Classics in Anthroposophy Series.
E-Book Content
Introduction AN OUTLINE OF E S OT E R I C S C I E N C E i ii AN OUTLINE C LA SS I C S I N OF ESOTERIC SCIENCE ANT H RO POS OP H Y The Spiritual Guidance of the Individual and Humanity How to Know Higher Worlds Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path The Souls’ Awakening—A Mystery Drama Anthroposophy—A Fragment Theosophy Christianity As Mystical Fact Introduction A N O UTLINE OF ESOTERIC S CIENCE RUD OL F ST EI N ER Translated by CATHERINE E. CREEGER ANTHROPOSOPHIC PRESS i ii iv AN OUTLINE OF ESOTERIC SCIENCE The previous English edition of this work was published by Anthroposophic Press with the title An Outline of Occult Science. It was translated by Henry B. Monges and revised for later editions by Lisa D. Monges. This edition was translated by Catherine E. Creeger from the German edition Die Geheimwissenschaft Im Umriss, which is volume 13 in the Bibliographic Survey, published by Rudolf Steiner Verlag, Dornach, Switzerland. This edition Copyright © 1997 by Anthroposophic Press Introduction Copyright © 1997 by Clopper Almon Published by Anthroposophic Press 3390 Route 9, Hudson, NY 12534 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Steiner, Rudolf, 1861–1925. [Geheimwissenschaft im Umriss. English] An outline of esoteric science / Rudolf Steiner ; translated by Catherine E. Creeger. p. cm. — (Classics in anthroposophy) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-88010-409-0 (paper) 1. Anthroposophy. I. Creeger, Catherine E. II. Title. III. Series. BP595. S894G44613 1997 299’.935—dc21 97-37188 CIP Cover design: Barbara Richey 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and articles. Printed in the United States of America Introduction C ON T E N T S Introduction by Clopper Almon Preface by Rudolf Steiner vii 1 1. The Character of Esoteric Science 11 2. The Makeup