First Steps in Inner Development (Paperback)

Paperback. Rudolf Steiner is perhaps best known for his influence and wisdom in the fields of education, agriculture, medicine, science, and art. It is often forgotten that it was as a spiritual teacher that he made these contributions. Unfortunately, while his immediate students had the advantage of Steiner as a personal guide to their inner lives, later readers have had only his written works to guide them. Steiner, however, did give a few lectures on inner development--especially on beginning a path of practice. This book now collects these lectures--some of which have never been in English--for the first time. It also contains a number of the basic meditations and exercises shared by Steiner with his students. Here readers will find descriptions of various practical exercises, including exercises for the moral qualities that students must develop, and for the various qualities of consciousness that inner development requires. This book is not only for beginners. Wherever you are on the path, this book will be your companion. CONTENTS: * Introduction by Christopher Bamford * 1. The Inner Life * 2. The Path * 3. First Steps * 4.Ways to Inner Development (extracts) Six Essential Exercises The Three Ways The Christian Way * 5. How Does the Soul Find Its True Being? * Bibliography Though Rudolf Steiner is best known for his cultural influence in fields such as education, agriculture, and medicine, it is often forgotten that he made his contribution as a spiritual teacher. What he taught was, above all, a way of spiritual knowledge - a path of inner development to reconnect the spirit in us with the spirit in the universe. This book brings together for the first time a series of fundamental lectures on beginning a path of practice. Since it is by one of the great spiritual masters of the twentieth century, its wisdom and practicality are outstanding. Here readers will find descriptions of various practical exercises to develop the necessary moral qualities and states of consciousness that inner development requires. More advanced practices and techniques are also discussed. This is not just a book for beginners. Wherever you are on the path - whatever path you are on - this book can be a helpful companion. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.