The nature of man : approached through the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner

immensely dynamic realities which are revealed to the consciousness of those who, like Steiner, have developed the faculties to observe them and to translate their observations into our customary language. This last is perhaps one of the greatest diffiicuties. Man is now revealed as living in vast breathing rhythms between the spiritual world—the world of wholes, of real beings and interweaving continuity—and this our present world of diversity, separateness, rigidity and death. But it is exactly to this world that we owe the possibility of freedom and understanding.

The future development of the spiritual elements or faculties of our being depends on the exercise of that free activity which we can nurture as the child of the scientific revolution. It depends entirely on ourselves whether we exercise this activity or not, but the possibility has been achieved. To the higher spiritual elements, awaiting our free activity to bring about their awakening and development, Steiner gave the names of Spirit Self, Life Spirit and Spirit Man. These are the higher metamorphoses of the astral, etheric and physical bodies respectively, and correspond to the ancient Indian terms Manas, Buddhi and Atma.

We have now reached as far as on this occasion is possible. For those unfamiliar with the enormous work of Rudolf Steiner I hope that I have made a preliminary approach to it which they may feel able to follow up; those familiar with it will already know how difficult these questions are and will, I hope, be tolerant towards my shortcomings.

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