This course is intended for anyone new to anthroposophy and for those who wish to deepen, expand, or clarify their understanding of Rudolf Steiner’s core teachings and the basic practices of anthroposophy. The course will follow the selections included in
The New Essential Steiner. Approximately half of each class period will be given to lectures. As the other half will be given to question/answer and discussion based on the readings, it is strongly recommended that students read as much as possible of
The New Essential Steiner prior to the course. In addition to an introductory essay on Steiner’s life and work,
The New Essential Steiner includes selections on ten topics: philosophy, human nature, evolution of consciousness, Christ and higher beings, karma and rebirth, arts, society, education, psychology, Gaia and the future. The instructor’s book in progress,
Unique Not Alone will serve as supplementary reading.
Each class session will introduce an exercise from Christopher Bamford’s book,
Start Now!
Texts: Robert McDermott, editor,
The New Essential Steiner (SteinerBooks, 2009) Christopher Bamford, editor,
Start Now! (SteinerBooks, 2002) Robert McDermott,
Unique Not Alone—Steiner and Others (incomplete draft)
Robert McDermott Links:
ROBERT MCDERMOTT
ROBERT McDERMOTT is president emeritus and professor of philosophy and religion at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has written extensively on Indian and western philosophy and religion. His books include: The Essential Aurobindo, The New Essential Steiner, and The Bhagavad Gita and the West. He is currently writing Unique Not Alone: Steiner and Others and editing Buddha and the West: Steiner and Others on Buddha and Buddhism. He has served as chair of the board and president of many anthroposophical institutions, including president of Rudolf Steiner Institute from 1983-1994.