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 body

- Ether body, or body of life forces

- Sentient soul body

- Mind soul

- Spirit-filled consciousness soul

- Life spirit

- Spirit body (or spirit man)

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.

C O N T E N T S

Prefaces

Introduction

1. The Essential Nature of Man

2. Re-embodiment of the Spirit and Destiny

3. The Three Worlds

4. The Path of Knowledge

Appendix

This volume is a translation of Theosophie, Einf hrung in bersinnliche Welterkenntnis und Menschenbestimmung (GA 9).