Gnana- 22nd March 2004

THERE is a spiritual pulse, that when known and contained, enables form. This spiritual pulse kinetically moves in passage from chakra to chakra for example; and at the core of its purpose is its communicative tow. For in every flow of pulse there is something taken up by that flowing rhythmic advance, and it is communicated down the pulse onto and through the adjoining spheres. 

This spiritual pulsing can create that homogenous thread necessary to form becoming complete. We cannot present, nor operate a working obedient whole, without a sympathetic system. The sympathetic responses come directly from the pulse's carrying forth and 'intelligence' contained within its own being.

Our own physical pulse knows its purpose through its benefactor, the spiritual pulse. The movement, action, conveying and enabling, are fundamental to the unseen but palpable spiritual reality. And whilst the heart is responsive and communicative with the pulse, it is neither the driver nor the superior. Just so within our soul's reasoning with respect to the outer worlds - we may have some reckoning as to the level of ebb and flow, but we are not the decider of life itself. 

In all things this is true. With all participating factors in day to day events around us, there are never just one or two reasons for anything occurring - any decision or event, any outcome or change, any motivation or desire. It never comes down to purely one or two considerations or factors, for this would be trite simplicity to believe that anything works or moves so independently. The multilayered sympathetic whole is what it is, and changes moment by moment. Nothing is stagnant or stationary in the spiritual worlds. Frame by frame it moves and shifts with living color!

 Even our own thinking can be in touch with this pulse just aforementioned. Rather than us knowing on a singular level any one thing, and abstracting that knowledge even further, we can think with that same pulse, which connects, conveys and creates form with its action of conjoining... This form of thinking is esoteric thinking; and there are many who now can come to learn the nature of this pulse, and relate the difference between the two forms of thinking that they enjoy.

Rudolf Steiner Today- March 12th 2004

Question:

Who would you say could be acknowledged as Rudolf Steiner's most closely related pursuer of his doctrine [Anthroposophy], in the same spirit, today?

- M.

Dear M.,

Undoubtedly the most closely related pursuer of Dr. Steiner's work would be Dr. Steiner himself! This is meant most kindly and sincerely in reply. He alone holds the keys to his efforts and also has continued as before - within the world!

And yes, there are streams which follow onward from his inspiration, and also are loyal to the very same font of ideals which he himself has drawn from.

This is a fascinating question because there would be many 'high' debates about such issues. When trying to uphold the highest principles of Christ in relation to learning we cannot afford to be divisive any longer. We certainly cannot disregard great possibilities of great goodness springing up all over - once again from that same fountain we ourselves have known. 

It would be the hope of all hopes that such understandings are available and used by all men, and not just a few; and if not now, then in a certain future. 

And why not? When you think about it, how wonderful it would be - to be done with the archaic holdings of superiority that are for the relative few! And yes, soul by soul, each must be prepared and worthy also - but again, why not? What cheerful thought! 

And so, where is the spirit of Anthroposophia today? She is alive and well and working alongside her much beloved Master!

The Osmosis of Pneumatics- 10th March 2004

WHEN a human being with a human spirit within knows something, that something comes to know them, through that knowing. 

This is perhaps the best explanation for the words before which stress that with learning, through method or by repetitive strains, we are confined to one level of captured learning only. For that which we strive to take to ourselves, in that instance, is too ‘looking back’ singularly, without further reason being involved or becoming available. This also can be a good thing in view of the trespass of kingdoms which would otherwise occur if this were not so. Because that form of knowledge which is not sympathetic (or empathetic or earned through experience), that knowledge which is acquired (and this can even relate to one wearing their Master’s coat for a time) through means other than experience or direct learning, is confined and confining. 

There cannot be through it an unlawful trespass from one kingdom into another (which also would be more likely to occur if it could, because there is no sympathetic energy drawing it back from doing that which it should not).

Finally, evility comes where there is a straying or a bleeding out, where through experience a being does have keys a’further, which then decidedly become corrupt. This in itself is the sadness of Heaven, and the price of Knowledge - thus the true Original Sin. 

Question on Breathing Exercises- 9th March 2004

Question:

I gathered today that the system of inbreathing and outbreathing together with the intonement of the word AUM was an ancient method used to reach knowledge of the universe (the brain being an image of the universe) but for our age, is replaced by thought and will.

Can knowledge of the universe still be reached thru the science of breath?

- M.

Dear M,

The Brothers have referred to the lungs as being the organ of the Ego. What a wonderful thought! - that we can reach knowledge of the universe through our egoic relationship, which implies also, a self-conscious effort and participation in the knowing. There is a huge paradox therefore, in relation to seeking out 'knowings' via breathing exercises alone, rather than the firsthand knowledge of self-consciously earned experience! I am just commenting (perhaps the obvious) because I still feel that we overlook true knowing when we turn to methodology in our esoteric and primal beingness. 

Abstract learning is not the same as sympathetic learning. 

Sympathetic learning comes from the soulic understanding of all life. At any time we can and do respond with an intelligence that ‘communes’ and interacts in ways that occur subconsciously. However, we cannot induce this form of learning in the same way through repetition and exercise. Exercises can reinforce etheric and astral learnings and beings, and moreover lead to more of the same, whereas sympathetic learnings are responsive to the moment but can actually teach the soul in many-levelled planes all at the one time. It is the higher knowledge through the Father, rather than the ‘captured’ knowledge, which is given a permanent place, but not plastic to the divine. 

With the knowledge now won by the ego’s effort and divining, there can be a sympathetic relay as well as the ‘permanence’ now residing in the consciousness (rather than being housed in the stomach or groin for example). It is free also to come and to go - the relationship of the entire being is different, stronger, free-er and alive.