Through his intuitive reading of the Akashic Record the living memory of Earth and cosmos Rudolf Steiner described dimensions of the life of Jesus Christ that extend beyond the four canonical Gospels. After years of inner struggle and rigorous self-examination, Steiner began presenting these insights publicly in 1913. He spoke with great care and restraint, fully aware of the responsibility involved, yet convinced that such knowledge was necessary for a new, conscious understanding of Christ.
In this series of deeply moving lectures, given in Oslo and five German cities, Steiner unfolds a coherent picture of Jesuss earthly mission. He describes the existence of two Jesus children, the transfer of the Zarathustra-I, Jesuss experience of the Essene community, and the profound inner suffering that prepared the way for the Baptism in the Jordan. Central moments including the temptations in the desert, the sorrow over the decline of ancient Mystery paths, Jesuss conversations with Mary, and the gradual union of the Christ-Being with the sheaths of Jesus of Nazareth appear as stages in a cosmic drama of sacrifice and love. The Mystery of Golgotha emerges as the decisive turning point of Earth evolution: not merely an historical event, but the birth of a new cosmic impulse through which Christ united with the Earth.
This complete edition the first to feature all eighteen lectures on the subject includes an introduction by Tom Ravetz.
Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) called his spiritual philosophy anthroposophy, meaning wisdom of the human being. As a highly developed seer, he based his work on direct knowledge and perception of spiritual dimensions. He initiated a modern and universal science of spirit, accessible to anyone willing to exercise clear and unprejudiced thinking.
From his spiritual investigations Steiner provided suggestions for the renewal of many activities, including education (both general and special), agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, philosophy, religion and the arts. Today there are thousands of schools, clinics, farms and other organizations involved in practical work based on his principles. His many published works feature his research into the spiritual nature of the human being, the evolution of the world and humanity, and methods of personal development. Steiner wrote some 30 books and delivered over 6000 lectures across Europe. In 1924 he founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world.
