Welcome back to Higher Density Living. In this episode, Alexander and Jason discuss the essence of meditation. Rudolf Steiner is well known as a proponent of the 'Anthropos'—the wisdom of the human being. Steiner's philosophy seeks to merge the spiritual understanding of humanity with cosmic laws, positioning humans as central to the cosmos's purpose. This perspective challenges modern materialistic and environmental narratives that view human existence as a problem to be managed rather than an integral part of the cosmic order. In this regard we are rejoined by special guest, Dr. Eric Cunningham, Ph.D., a Professor of Philosophy at Gonzaga University. His academic background includes a Master's degree in modern Japanese literature and a Ph.D. in history, both from the University of Oregon. Cunningham specializes in modern Japanese intellectual history and has research interests in Zen Buddhism, Catholicism, psychedelia, and eschatology. He is also the author of "Zen Past and Present" (2011) and is known for his work in combining traditional scholarly research with more esoteric and philosophical subjects. Rudolf Steiner was an influential thinker whose ideas spanned a wide range of disciplines, including education, agriculture, and the arts. Born in 1861 in what is now Croatia and later moving to Austria, Steiner initially made his mark as a literary scholar and philosopher, particularly noted for his work on Goethe’s scientific writings. However, he is most famously known for developing the spiritual movement known as Anthroposophy, in his book How to Know Higher Worlds: A Modern Path of Initiation which he described as a form of "spiritual science." Rudolf Steiner's prolific image and his significant influence during the early 20th century form profound engagement in spiritual discourse of the human experience. Steiner’s perspectives offered an alternative vision to the materialistic tendencies of his time, emphasizing spiritual science and the development of human consciousness. His concept of Meta History encompasses a pivotal event in 79, where he posits a fundamental battle between angelic hierarchies, notably involving Lucifer and St. Michael the archangel. This event, drawn from ancient mythologies like the book of Genesis, is situated within secular history, marking the descent of fallen spirits to earth. Interestingly, this aligns with a vision Pope Leo XIII had about demons being cast down to hell during a war. Steiner's narrative intersects with mainstream religiosity, particularly Catholicism, albeit from a mystical perspective. He contends that the unleashing of demons in 79 ushered in a uniquely strange era, symbolized by the end of the Kali Yuga, a dark age in Hindu cosmology. According to Steiner, humanity has reached its nadir and is now poised for spiritual ascent, returning to unity and evolution. Steiner's significance lies in his presence during key historical junctures, such as industrialization and World War I, and his recognition of the transformative shift post-World War I. He perceives the 1920s as a period of profound change, diverging from the ideals of the Enlightenment and Renaissance into a darker, more twisted reality. Steiner serves as a guide for humanity towards spiritual evolution and unity. This discussion ties into broader historical contexts, particularly World War I, which Steiner perceived not merely as a terrestrial conflict but as a reflection of cosmic battles, drawing upon the hermetic principle "as above, so below." He viewed these tumultuous times as the manifestation of spiritual warfare, with implications that stretched beyond the immediate horrors of the battlefield. Steiner suggested that the souls of the fallen soldiers participated in larger spiritual struggles, contributing to the ongoing battle between spiritual light and darkness. Moreover, Steiner's academic background in mathematics, physics, and philosophy profoundly influenced his teachings. Educated in Vienna, his engagement with contemporary scientific theories, including relativity and emerging ideas related to quantum theory, allowed him to integrate these concepts with esoteric and spiritual insights. His dissertation on Fichte's concept of the self, completed in 1891, reflects his deep philosophical grounding, which he later expanded upon in his spiritual teachings. Steiner’s transition from a purely academic philosopher to a spiritual teacher began around 1899 when he published "The Philosophy of Freedom." This work marked a pivotal shift towards esotericism and laid the groundwork for his later Anthroposophical work, which seeks to synthesize spiritual knowledge with practical aspects of life, including education, agriculture, and medicine. The term "festival of knowledge" which was highly influenced by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe laid the groundwork for Steiner’s later academic achievements. These initial forays into literature, written before ...
