The Rudolf Steiner Archive

7. Report on the First General Assembly of the German Section of the Theosophical Society

Occult Historical Research

Abstract by Rudolf Steiner, “Luzifer” No. 6/1903

[ 1 ] Dr. Rudolf Steiner spoke on this topic on October 18, 1903, at the annual meeting of the German Section of the “Theosophical Society.” A very brief summary of his remarks is provided here. - The founder of the “Theosophical Society” has bequeathed to us the “Esoteric Doctrine,” which lays the foundation, from two perspectives, for a solution to the great mysteries of existence. A comprehensive doctrine of the origin of the world (Cosmogenesis) reveals the plan according to which, out of the primordial spiritual forces of the universe, the stage has developed on which human beings carry out their earthly journey. From a second volume (Anthropogenesis), we see the stages that human beings themselves have gone through until they became members of the present race. It will depend on the development of the Theosophical Movement—and on when it has attained a certain state of maturity—as to when the same spiritual forces that have bestowed upon us the great truths of the first two volumes will also grant us the third. This volume will contain the deeper laws governing what, outwardly speaking, is presented to us as “world history.” It will deal with “occult historical research.” It will show how, in the true sense, the destinies of peoples are fulfilled, how guilt and atonement are intertwined in the great life of humanity, how the leading figures of history come to their mission, and how they fulfill it. — Only those who know how the great triad— body, soul, and spirit—intervenes in the wheel of becoming can truly comprehend the development of humanity. Above all, one must understand how physical existence, in the broadest sense, is conditioned by the great cosmic forces of nature, which take on a specific form in the characteristics of races and peoples, and in what is called the “spirit” of an age. One will come to understand how the material foundation comes into being, which is expressed in the fact that human beings represent certain types (peoples, eras) in which they resemble one another. Here, the characteristics of the human race will be shed into clearer light—a light they cannot receive through cultural history, which is directed solely toward the outward. One will come to understand how the influence of the soil, the climate, economic conditions, and so on actually affects human beings. - Then we will examine the role played by the truly personal element in history. Drives, instincts, feelings, and passions arise from this personal element. And these, in turn, can only be understood if one recognizes the influence of the world—known as the astral or psychic (soul) world—upon the world that unfolds before our physical senses and our intellect. Through this part of occult history, an understanding will dawn regarding what is usually attributed to the caprice of individual personalities. And one will understand the interplay between the individual personality, the people, and the age. The enlightening light from the astral realm will be cast upon world history. - Thirdly, one will learn how the collective spirit of the universe intervenes in human destinies, how the life of this collective spirit pours into the higher self of a great leader of humanity, and how, in this way, through the channels of this higher life, it is communicated to all of humanity. For this is the path that this higher life takes: It flows into the higher Selves of the leading spirits, and they communicate it to their brothers. From incarnation to incarnation, the higher Selves of human beings develop, and there they learn more and more to make their own Self a missionary of the divine world plan. Through occult historical research, one will come to understand how a leader of humanity develops to the level at which he can undertake a divine mission. One will come to see how Buddha, Zarathustra, and Christ came to their missions. The speaker illustrated these general principles with references to several examples of how one should conceive of the development of great leaders of humanity through their successive reincarnations.

[ 2 ] The annual meeting of the German Section of the Theosophical Society opened on the morning of October 18, 1903, with a board meeting attended by board members Dr. Rudolf Steiner (Secretary General), Miss von Sivers (Berlin), Julius Engel (Charlottenburg), Richard Bresch (Leipzig), Bernhard Hubo (Hamburg), Mrs. von Holten (Berlin), Günther Wagner (Lugano), and [Adolf] Kolbe (Hamburg). Internal Section matters were discussed, and it was further resolved to foster a closer exchange of ideas and communication among the individual branches by creating a small publication for this purpose, intended solely for the branches and their affairs. Miss von Sivers was elected secretary of the section, and the appointment of Miss von Rosen as assistant to the section—made possible by the kind cooperation of our English brothers—was confirmed. - On Sunday evening, the lecture mentioned above on “Occult Historical Research” took place. It was followed by a discussion of important theosophical questions (for example, the position of so-called monism in relation to theosophy, the use of psychic powers in life, and so on), in which the following participated: Günther Wagner (Lugano), Richard Bresch (Leipzig), Bernhard Hubo (Hamburg), Julius Engel (Charlottenburg), Arenson (Stuttgart), and Rüdiger (Charlottenburg). - In addition to those mentioned above, the following branch representatives from out of town attended the general meeting on Monday, October 19: Mrs. Geheimrat Lübke (Weimar), Arenson (Stuttgart), and Fischer (Hanover). The section’s business matters were addressed. Of particular note: Two new members were elected to replace outgoing board members: Ms. Helene Lübke (Weimar) and Miss Mathilde Scholl (Cologne). It was reported that a new branch had been formed in Weimar and that the establishment of others was expected. Miss Klara Motzkus (Berlin) and Mr. Franz Seiler (Berlin) were elected as treasury auditors.