Source Text
The fact is that both in life and after death we actually become what we think:
These are the factors that have to be taken into account when speaking today about the spiritual science of anthroposophy. Someone speaking about this science on the basis of real knowledge about it is only too familiar with the hundredfold, even thousandfold, objections that are raised.
But when it comes to facts not understood in the world of the senses, facts pertaining to what is immortal and eternal in human nature, then those who form their judgements on the basis of our perfectly valid present-day scientific thinking regard as mainly fantasy and visionary nonsense the statement that actual factual knowledge can be gained about such things.
So, when a human being enters into the spiritual world with nothing but physical thoughts and ideas he becomes a focus of destruction.
By enabling people to share spiritual knowledge and spiritual wisdom amongst each other we create immense opportunities for their life in the spiritual world, and this in turn works back to the physical, sense-perceptible world which is constantly influenced by the spiritual world.
Over there we cannot achieve a proper I-consciousness if we do not have the strength to distinguish: What is in me? Is it an Angelos? Is it one of the Elohim? What is a being from the hierarchy of the Angeloi, what is a being from the hierarchy of the Exusiai, the Spirits of Form?
What we attain here in the way of wisdom is light, spiritual light, over there. Wisdom is spiritual light.
most one might be used from time to time by a black magician in order to provide inspiration for certain quite specific functions, but also for destructive activities on the earth.
have the faculty of love. If we did not have this we would be unable to develop a proper relationship with the beings whom wisdom enables us to perceive.
Instead, shortly before we are born, not very long before we are born, there is also an opportunity for another spiritual being, apart from our soul, to take possession of our body, namely, of the subconscious part of our body. This is a fact. Shortly before we are born another being indwells us; in the terminology we use today we would call this an ahrimanic being. It is just as much in us as is our own soul. These beings lead their lives by making use of human beings to enable them to inhabit the sphere in which they wish to dwell. They have an exceptionally high degree of intelligence and a very significantly developed will, but no qualities of soul, nothing like what we would call the human qualities of soul and heart and mind.
AI Summary
Secret Brotherhoods by Rudolf Steiner presents key insights from the contemplative tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
- [To be expanded]
Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.