Anthroposophy
| Anthroposophy | |
|---|---|
| Family | Western esotericism / Spiritual philosophy |
| Origin region | Central Europe |
| Founding period | Early 20th century CE |
| Estimated adherents | Unknown; the movement has institutions in education, agriculture, medicine, and the arts. |
Anthroposophy is a spiritual philosophy founded by Rudolf Steiner that teaches the possibility of disciplined knowledge of spiritual worlds and has influenced Waldorf education, biodynamic agriculture, and esoteric Christianity.
Overview
[edit | edit source]Anthroposophy was formulated by Rudolf Steiner after his involvement with Theosophy. Britannica describes it as a philosophy based on the idea that the human intellect can contact spiritual worlds, though full access requires latent faculties of knowledge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Key beliefs
[edit | edit source]- Spiritual worlds are real and can be investigated through disciplined inner development
- Human beings evolve spiritually across time
- Christ has a cosmic and esoteric role in spiritual evolution
- Art, education, agriculture, medicine, and social life can be spiritually renewed
- Knowledge should unite spiritual insight and practical work
Practices
[edit | edit source]- Meditative exercises
- Study of Steiner's lectures and writings
- Waldorf education inspired by anthroposophy
- Biodynamic farming
- Eurythmy, arts, and community study
Places of worship
[edit | edit source]- Anthroposophical Society branches
- Study circles
- Waldorf and biodynamic institutions
- Christian Community congregations for related liturgical practice
Sacred texts
[edit | edit source]- Knowledge of the Higher Worlds
- Occult Science
- The Philosophy of Freedom
- Rudolf Steiner's lectures
Holidays and observances
[edit | edit source]- Christian seasonal festivals in anthroposophical interpretation
- School and agricultural seasonal festivals
- Community lecture or founding anniversaries
Branches and related traditions
[edit | edit source]- Theosophy - Anthroposophy developed partly out of Steiner's earlier Theosophical work.
- Western esotericism - Anthroposophy is a major modern esoteric current.
- New Age spirituality - Some New Age ideas overlap with anthroposophical interests.
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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