Theosophy

Written in 1904 (CW 9)

Theosophy is a key work for gaining a solid footing in spiritual reality as described by Rudolf Steiner. It is organized into four parts. First, Steiner builds a comprehensive understanding of human nature: physical bodily nature; soul qualities; spirit being, or I-being; and the higher spiritual aspects. This leads us to Steiner's description of the human being as sevenfold:Material, physical bodyEther body, or body of life forcesSentient soul bodyMind soulSpirit-filled consciousness soulLife spiritSpirit body

In the next section, Steiner offers an extraordinary overview of the laws of reincarnation and the principles of karma, as we pass from one life to the next. This prepares us for the third section, in which he shows the various ways in which we live--during life on earth and after death and in the three worlds of body, soul, and spirit.

Finally, we are given a succinct description of the path of knowledge, along which each person can begin to understand the marvelous and harmonious complexity of the psycho-spiritual worlds in their fullness.

Contents:

 Foreword by Michael HoldregePrefaces by Rudolf SteinerChapter 1: The Essential Nature of the Human Being: The Bodily Nature of the Human BeingThe Soul Nature of the Human BeingThe Spirit Nature of the Human BeingBody, Soul, and SpiritChapter 2: Destiny & the Reincarnation of the SpiritChapter 3: The Three Worlds: The Soul WorldThe Soul in the Soul World after DeathThe Country of Spirit BeingsThe Spirit in Spirit Country after DeathThe Physical World and Its Connection to the Worlds of Souls and SpiritsChapter 4: The Path to KnowledgeRelated ReadingIndex

This volume is a translation of Theosophie, Einfuhrung in ubersinnliche Welterkenntnis und Menschenbestimmung (GA 9)