Position: linke obere Papierkante, Größe 100

General Worldwide 10/08

■ Anthroposophical Society

Periphery and Center A Mutual Working Relationship This fall, the activities of the eurythmists at the focused on an image that brings the oft-cited relationship of periphery and center into a living mutual rela- tionship. Carin Schmid, leader of the ensemble at the Goetheanum, formu- December 2008 lated some of her thoughts for our readers. No. 10 espite financial straits and a tense Anthroposophical Society D political situation, I believe a new 1 Periphery and Center era has begun. A fruitful cooperative ef- 2 Christmas Appeal I: Letter from fort, one that provides mutual support Fischer Charlotte Photo: Treasurer Cornelius Pietzner and enhancement, has now arrived as 3 Christmas Appeal II: Interview a possibility. This fall I discovered this with Cornelius Pietzner promising element in my own field of 4 Christmas Appeal III: Projects work—eurythmy: the vitality in the rela- in the School for Spiritual tionship between center and periphery, Science between the Goetheanum in 10 General Secretaries’ Conference and the Goetheanum throughout the 11 Meeting of Those Carrying world. Responsibility for the Society The Social Power of Shared Activity Goetheanum Center become periphery, periphery becomes center: Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony 6 New: Water Channel for Flow Over the past four years, the Forms Ensemble (, Germany) and the 6 Stage: Christmas and Easter Plays eurythmy ensemble at the Goetheanum center at the Goetheanum goes out into 9 Meeting of the Goetheanum stage have cooperated three times with the world and becomes periphery there. Meditation Initiative the Symphony/Eurythmy Project in pre- Filled with their experiences and encoun- Worldwide senting two large orchestral pieces in Eu- ters, the co-workers at the Goetheanum rope. Ensemble members may have ex- return and enrich the center from the School for Spiritual Science perienced the differences and gaps that periphery. And vice versa—we hope the 7 Social Science Section: Social exist among the “schools” during their Goetheanum as the center has enriched Sculpture—Monte Azul training, but now there was a strong so- the periphery. One of our primary aims Conference cial power to be found in the shared work is to bring an enthusiasm for eurythmy on rehearsal and performance. through our travels, courses, and perfor- Anthroposophy in the World During the Fall 2008 tour, Eduardo mances! 8 Indonesia: Anthroposophical Torres visited the newly founded eu- Work rythmy training in Chile as a docent An Exchange between Here and There 8 Japan: Shikoku Anthroposophy (Anthroposophy Worldwide, No. 2/2008, And we can make new contacts for Circle p. 6); Margrethe and Trond Solstad rep- our work by meeting people in this way. I Feature resented the leadership of the Section could imagine that when we are asked to 12 project.zeitung for the Arts of Eurythmy, Speech, Drama send co-workers into the various coun- and Music at meetings, courses, and per- tries, they might be replaced by individu- formances in the United States; and en- als who come here to the Goetheanum semble member Gioia Falk was in Japan to participate in our work for a couple to participate in work on ’s of months. These processes of exchange Mystery dramas (Anthroposophy World- and meeting help to create a picture wide, No. 9/2008, p. 6) of center and periphery as a living and I see this whole activity of travel and shared relationship in our work. | Carina work as a picture of how the so-called Schmid, Goetheanum 2 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ Anthroposophical Society

Science, with its esoteric core and active engagement in professional fields, can con- tribute directly to sustainable responses to critical issues of our time.

Photo: Charlotte Fischer Charlotte Photo: This spring we published a booklet de- scribing the School today and its Sections, its responsibilities and organization. The booklet reflects the collective work of the School for Spiritual Science and the Colle- Advent 2008 gium of the School in all its diversity. 3. Increasing coordination among the 2008 Christmas Appeal major working areas at the Goetheanum— especially in the areas of reception and events coordination, building and stage "The spiritual-scientific world view strives for something positive rather than administration, information technology, fighting battles. Anyone who has really experienced this world view knows that and finance—to create the basis for a more fighting battles has never brought positive results in any area of life." Rudolf efficient collaboration and service orienta- Steiner, lecture of November 23, 1905, (GA 54) tion at the Goetheanum. In addition to the ongoing needs of the Goetheanum each of these areas and com- Dear Friends and Members, mitments require substantial funds, . Total costs for the Mystery dramas this year are ach year at Christmas, as we close one the apparent paradoxes of our daily life approximately € 680,000. The consolidation E year, and look towards the possibilities and what is around us. This leads to social and further development of the student and initiatives that the New Year will bring, vitality instead of a dispersion of strength! courses and services—with over 120 inter- we turn to you, our members and friends, We replace “battle” with “positive labor,” a national students at the Goetheanum—re- to confirm and support through your much needed quality in our deeply turbu- quires further financial support. This work deed of giving the manifold tasks of the lent times. is carried by the entire School for Spiritual Goetheanum, the Society, and the School A more detailed analysis will show that Science with a cost of over € 100,000 dur- for Spiritual Science. It is the generous sup- concentrating on these tasks—without ing the next two years. port from so many of you that enables spe- ignoring or overvaluing our many other cific projects and the essential tasks of the tasks—yields strength and direction in Intensifying Work with the Countries Goetheanum and School for Spiritual Sci- the context of the limited financial means There have been many changes in the ence to be realized. available to us. councils of several national Societies with- in the worldwide Society. These changes Learning to Live with Paradoxes Current Priorities also provide an opportunity to renew and “Practices Leading to a Culture of the Three current priorities for the Goethea- deepen their connection with the Goethea- Heart” has been the theme in the Soci- num are as follows: num. We would like to support these efforts ety for some years now. The necessity to 1. Developing the Mystery dramas to- through regular meetings at the Goethea- sharpen the capacity for a healthy judg- wards a new production of all four dramas num with the councils of these national ment regarding the many urgent matters in the next years with an emphasis on in- Societies. and real tasks of the Goetheanum and An- tegrating the “spirit of eurythmy”. This is a The anthroposophical work of the world- throposophical Society is one of the central fundamental research and artistic under- wide Society in Asia, Africa and eastern Eu- elements of thinking of the heart. Rudolf taking. This work, already started, requires rope continues to grow and deepen. This is Steiner makes the prescient remark (Mac- substantial inner and outer resources and actively accompanied by the Goetheanum rocosm and Microcosm, GA 119) that learn- is supported not only by the stage and eu- through participation in Society confer- ing to live fruitfully with paradoxes in life rythmists, but also by the Collegium and ences, lecture tours, School for Spiritual is an essential quality of heart thinking. To Executive Council as a true “heart piece” Science events, and celebrations. This too be able to practice this represents a truly of anthroposophy, one that stands at the requires financial support, as the countries human approach. center of the Goetheanum's . often are not able to assume these costs. This becomes increasingly relevant 2. Continuing focus on the cohesion of Improvements to the services and work- in light of the caricatures and extremes the School for Spiritual Science, without ings of the Goetheanum and its nearly 800 we experience in nearly all sectors and compromising the unique and specific events annually, conservation efforts re- branches of life. It can only be a commu- contributions and obligations of each Sec- garding the Statue “Representative of Man” nity-building task to attempt to reconcile tion. As a totality, the School for Spiritual and the Rudolf Steiner Atelier, the active in- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08 | 3

■ Anthroposophical Society ■ Anthroposophical Society

2008 Christmas Appeal volvement in developments in the Society worldwide, and the cultivation of common The Mystery of Opposites foci in the School for Spiritual Science, all In this year’s Christmas Appeal, Cornelius Pietzner indicates how important it is for point to significant projects during the last esoteric activity to work in a positive way. But isn’t it true that the battle for the spirit year for the Goetheanum, the School for is a characteristic of our age? Pietzner explains why he sees no contradiction in regard Spiritual Science and the Anthroposophical to this issue. Society. Without your help we could not have undertaken these activities. We are most grateful for your engagement

and participation! Indeed, the Goethea- MartinaKallenberg Photo: num is dependant on your financial sup- port and generosity to make our initia- tives possible. Our goal worldwide is € 550,000—an ambitious amount! Thus, each gift matters, and together we can surely reach this necessary goal! Thank you very much for your participa- tion! With our best wishes for a light-filled Christmas, What do we work toward—and against? A scene from the Goetheanum

Sebastian Jüngel: The 2008 Christmas Jüngel: Learning to live with paradoxes is Appeal uses a quotation from Rudolf another theme of the Christmas Appeal. Steiner as its motto: “strive for some- Of course, it’s important to take life as it Cornelius Pietzner thing positive rather than fighting bat- comes. But don’t we have to form it as Treasurer & Executive Council tles.” But isn’t the battle for the spirit a well! Do we really have to be satisfied characteristic trait of our age? with “paradoxes?” Cornelius Pietzner: The inner orientation Pietzner: I see no real contradiction and mood out of which we act is crucial here—both are correct, and we can do and that is what is meant here: do we both actively. Actual life is full of real, focus our strength to work for some- unavoidable paradoxes, and also (at thing, or against something? Do we act times) competing principles. We often or react, support or defend, confirm or agree with each other theoretically— deny? The imagination of Michael in the feel united in the (free) spiritual life— Leading Thoughts (November 16, 1924) but in the interpretation and implemen- presents a picture of a being who affirms tation of agreed-upon ideals we can go himself only by affirming the world; it is our separate ways. The element of living both moving and inspiring—especially in fruitfully with paradoxes is a signature the times in which we live! of heart thinking. It needs a certain elas- ticity and generosity that doesn’t reflect Dialogue Better Than Monologue a removed, distant approach or view on Jüngel: And doesn’t anthroposophy life, on what we can form or not form, only become a possibility in the world but does reflect the way we work in and Donations: through battle? with ourselves regarding juxtapositions Please mark “Goetheanum/Christmas donation Pietzner: Spiritual clarity and a strong and diverse or paradoxical elements. 2007” on your check and mail to your country’s inner identity are more important. Of- We work from within. At the same time main office of the Anthroposophical Society. ten we think we must fight and instead there are always limits. we find ourselves running through open Contact: General Anthroposophical Society, Fi- doors—a waste of energy! Dialogue is Telling Others about What Is Positive nances, Postfach, CH-4143 Dornach 1, Switzerland; better than speechifying and mono- Jüngel: That has a paralyzing effect on the tel: +41 (0)61 706 43 10; fax: (0)61 706 43 logue. As a gesture, pushing something human being. Does this produce a sense 14; [email protected] through at all costs is one thing, and elic- of exhaustion when it comes to changes iting something latent is quite another. in the “anthroposophical house?” However, this approach does not imply Pietzner: For others it is invigorating, that we should be naïve! Being clear also stimulating, awakening! In a free com- means recognizing opposing forces. This munity of striving individuals each is essential. person and initiative contributes differ- 4 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ Anthroposophical Society ■ Anthroposophical Society

ently towards the unfolding of anthro- this succinctly, providing some specifics 2008 Christmas Appeal posophical life. It is my view that when and also a broader picture. We find that we seek conformity and the reduction of members and friends are grateful for this Some Examples the mysteries of contradictions, we are communication in the eight countries The goal of the 2008 Christmas Appeal at the beginning of the end. I am continu- where we send the Christmas Appeal. is to make possible the Goetheanum’s ally motivated by the Letters to the Mem- Jüngel: That there is no room at the inn work as such. This work is expressed bers in which Rudolf Steiner describes so plays a central role in the Christmas sto- through very concrete activities. A selec- openly how elements of our work, our ry. Do you see the Goetheanum of today tion of these activities may provide a Society, our membership relate to one as a place where people can expect to picture of current plans within the School another (see Letter XII of April 6, 1924) find a hospitable “inn” for the spirit? for Spiritual Science. Jüngel: In reviewing the innovations at Pietzner: The Goetheanum may have this the Goetheanum during the past few character, but at the same time it is not months, I see that quite a few projects just any “inn!” The spirit is specific and Rudolf Steiner’s Idea of have had a fruitful start: the new basic precise, and it is surely important that Development course in anthroposophy, legal protec- people can recognize what is attempted tion for anthroposophical activities here, what is important—it is evident in uring the upcoming Darwin year in through the Eliant campaign, a survey of who we are, what we do, and the way D2009, the Natural Science Section Goetheanum activities in the semiannu- we do it. The openness and welcoming (with other Sections) will be looking at al preview, or the Symphony/Eurythmy spirit of the Goetheanum to our many various areas in order to trace and evalu- Project. Is the membership really aware guests is very important. We are aware ate the idea of development as such. This of the many projects here? of this, and try to foster and enhance this anniversary is also a good opportunity to Pietzner: Yes, I think and hope so! But it practically, but without losing precision. bring a new awareness to Rudolf Steiner’s can take some time; it needs repeated One can hope that the Goetheanum is a concept of development. There will be a messaging and good, steady communi- place that also stimulates initiative and conference on this theme at the Goethea- cation. We know we can always do bet- individual resolution! num in the summer of 2009. ter in this regard. We hope that members We will collaborate with the Social Sci- can also help us with this messaging and Looking at the Full Spectrum ence Section to find how we can better consciousness building—not just receiv- Jüngel: What would you want to say understand and achieve a mutual fructi- ing or giving us responses and feedback, to the members about supporting the fication of each field; historically, the rela- but becoming multipliers of good, pre- Goetheanum’s current work in three tionship between natural science and so- cise information to others! When some- main areas: caring for the life of the cial science has sometimes had a destruc- one asks me how they can help, I often soul (Anthroposophical Society), work- tive effect (social Darwinism). However, reply that if they encountered something ing in our modern civilization (School for Rudolf Steiner sometimes noted a positive positive, essential, new or important at Spiritual Science), and mirroring current element in this mutual relationship. This, the Goetheanum, they should tell it to at artistic creativity (the Goetheanum as a too, will be addressed in a conference, and least three other people! cultural center)? then lead to a publication. | Johannes Kühl, Naturally there are always skeptics Pietzner: It is my responsibility to be Goetheanum and those who choose to focus repeated- aware of the full spectrum of needs of ly on the shadow elements of the Society the Goetheanum, the School for Spiritu- or some activities. Constructive skepti- al Science and the Society to the best of cism is fine and even helpful whereas my capability, and I clearly see the acute Childhood and Youth careless commentary and articles are needs in all three areas! One area cannot uring the 2009 Darwin year, the just provocative and best ignored. be neglected at the expense of others. DMedical and Pedagogical Sections Therefore the Christmas Appeal is crucial will hold a conference on Laws of Devel- Open and Inviting as it provides necessary financial support opment in Childhood and Youth. The con- Jüngel: The time around Advent and for all three major areas. ference is meant for docents and special- Christmas helps us experience a contem- I have pointed out a few examples in my ists from the fields of pedagogy, curative plative element, especially in the north- letter—the Mystery Dramas, the building education, and medicine, and will bring ern hemisphere because of the weather up of anthroposophical studies, support education, medicine, and anthroposophy and the natural light. But this is overlain needed to work actively with regions into a dialogue about the conceptual ba- by a flood of stimuli and requests for do- and groups that are unable to pay costs, sis for research on development. We are nations. How do you think a Christmas and enhancing our internal collaboration planning a written documentation of the donation to the Goetheanum fits into in the major functional areas. All of these conference. this picture? are necessary and all need financial sup- The disciplines that study the human Pietzner: The Appeal is an important port. We are enormously grateful for the being have brought significant insights occasion to reach out to members and consistent and generous donations of in the course of the twentieth century. At share our specific plans, developments, members to enable the manifold work the same time, Waldorf pedagogy spread and needs. It is necessary to try and do and initiatives to continue! ■ across the world with its own concept of Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08 | 5

■ Anthroposophical Society

development. This makes it cooperation with members of the even more essential to bring School’s collegium (see article on p. about a practical dialogue be- 9). | Bodo von Plato, Goetheanum tween these two approaches Mannigel Axel Photo: and insights. Long-term studies in pedi- The Question of atrics, new research and re- search methodologies in neu- Translation rology, and new discoveries t is becoming increasingly clear in evolutionary biology have Ithat the manner in which anthro- changed the whole picture of posophy makes its way into the how human beings develop. world depends to a large extent What implications does this on our translators, that is, on their bring for day-to-day practice? abilities and linguistic skills. The first We intend to discuss points generation of anthroposophists of view and raise questions made an earnest effort to learn the in regard to whether new German language so they could emphases are now needed in read the works of Rudolf Steiner in the training of educators and the original. Now that generation physicians. has been replaced by a generation Themes like the crisis of which most often finds its way to youth, autism, depression, anthroposophy, to the study of an- LLD/dyslexia, and crisis inter- throposophy, through the native vention in the third or fourth language of each individual. During seven-year cycle of life will the pioneer period, translators were make it possible to deepen mainly concerned with making and expand our discussions in some sort of translation available this area. | Michaela Glöckler, to a world unfamiliar with anthro- Christof Wiechert, Dorothee posophy. Now the situation is differ- Prange, Goetheanum ent; more and more attention and A major research site at the Goetheanum: the Glass House thought is being given to the quality of the translation. The conceptual aspects of this work will The translation of Rudolf Steiner’s Rudolf Steiner’s Idea of be further developed on a practical level in works is a task that involves a heavy re- the “Summer University” to be held again sponsibility. The text must be thoroughly Development in August 2009, and in several research understood in all its nuances, i.e., the trans- he Science Section and the Agricultur- projects on issues like: how to raise live- lator must be completely at home in the Tal Section have cooperated since the stock on Demeter farms or the appropri- spirit of the German language. When the fall of 1997 in the Research Institute at the ate hygiene for agricultural processes and content has been penetrated in this way, Goetheanum. The main focus of their work land development for specialized use. We it is carried over into the new language; it has been finding an appropriate method- will further develop our work in this area is poured into the new linguistic form. This ology for research on the element of life. during 2009. | Nikolai Fuchs, Goetheanum new form enters immediately into a con- We work on contemporary approaches to nection with the content so that a creative this question by holding regular colloquia echo of the original arises—in both form with occasional guest lecturers (from Ba- Developing Study Op- and content. It is a union with the spirit of sel University, for instance.) the target language, one with limits and We have discovered that approaches to portunities possibilities of its own. a philosophical biology (like that of Hans uring 2009 the work of the General The Esoteric in Language, a profession- Jonas) and quantum physics interpreta- DAnthroposophical Section will con- al conference for translators (March 12– tions as applied to biology (as developed tinue its focus on developing and expand- 15, 2009), will provide a place for thought in the Union of German Scientists) offer ing the opportunities for study at the and conversation on the art of translation a sensible combination in the form of Goetheanum. This involves basic and ad- and the responsibilities that come with “participatory research” and perceptions vanced studies as well as specialized and it; there will also be an opportunity for of the living body. At the moment we individual study. Closely related are the shared practical exercises in support of are taking up the challenge of bringing courses and weekend devoted to the prac- individual work. The focus will be on the anthroposophical and Goetheanistic re- tice of anthroposophical exercises and issue of how the esoteric element can find search into a reasonable connection with meditations; these are being developed expression in a variety of languages. | Hil- these approaches. and conducted throughout the world in degard Backhaus, Goetheanum 6 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ New at the Goetheanum ■ Goetheanum

Goetheanum Park Stage: Christmas and Easter Plays Water Channel No Resurrection without a Descent into Hell The leader of the Goetheanum’s acting ensemble, Torsten Blanke, will produce the Re- f you’ve recently taken a walk behind dentin Easter play on April 11 and 12, 2009 with nonprofessional actors. This expands I the Glass House, you may have no- the Goetheanum’s stage offerings oriented to seasonal festivals; previously these con- ticed a few changes along the edge of the sisted of children’s fairy tales (in the fall) and the Oberufer Christmas plays.

he mark being made by Torsten T Blanke, leader of the Goetheanum acting ensemble, is becoming ever clear- Photo: Charlotte Fischer Charlotte Photo: Photo: MartinaKallenberg Photo: er. He is mainly interested in cultivating Mystery plays at the Goetheanum. Ru- dolf Steiner’s Mystery dramas are being prepared by an ensemble of professional stage artists under the general direction of Gioia Falk, but Blanke also works regu- larly with amateurs. Since he arrived in 2005,the Oberufer Christmas plays have been performed by nonprofessional friends and co-workers at the Goethea- num, not by the acting ensemble. On Good Friday 2009 the Redentin Easter Alive, natural: New water course for flowforms play (1464) will be presented for the first Conceptualizing a production: Torsten Blanke time, also by amateurs. path. Christian Schmid, a trainee work- connection between the Christmas plays ing on a project, planned and executed Forming Seasonal Festivals and the Easter play. the water course (In collaboration with Here Blanke makes a connection with Paul Saur) as a supply for the flowforms. earlier traditions of seasonal festival per- Players Sought The idea of forming the water course formances at the Goetheanum. “At one Blanke emphasizes that the figures of on this property has been around for a time,” Blanke says, “one of Rudolf Stein- Lucifer and Satan as portrayed in the Re- long time. The realization of the idea was er’s Mystery dramas or a certain drama dentin Easter play make something of a made possible as a low-budget project by would be performed distinction between two different kinds that included shaping the course, rein- for a festival.” Blanke has now added the of evil, while Goethe’s Faust unites and forcing the banks of the Schwynbach, Redentin Easter play to the progression combines these evils in the figure of Me- and adding plantings. of festivals. phistopheles. Blanke already has a pro- Schmid and Saur emphasized the This play has a special meaning for duction concept in mind, a setting that need to give the course an alive and nat- Blanke. “The significance of the period gives expression to both a downward ural form. River pebbles are used make between Good Friday and Easter Sunday gesture (the descent into hell) and an it fit harmoniously into the landscape; it often gets lost when we go shopping on upward gesture (the resurrection). Now follows the path in gently curved forms. Saturday. It is the period during which all he needs for the production are the Children find special pleasure here; some- Christ’s descent into hell takes place; actors—they can contact him in Decem- times they even play too hard—which without it there would be no resurrec- ber. | Sebastian Jüngel creates extra work for the gardeners (for tion,” Blanke asserts. Some of the roles instance, when little dams are built). in the play are related to the Oberufer Contact: Goetheanum Stage, Torsten Blanke, The plantings were carefully chosen Christmas plays—which is useful for the Postfach, CH-4143 Dornach 1 Switzerland; torsten [email protected] to keep this stretch of the brook easy to costumes and also demonstrates a close maintain. The three new basket willows Anthroposophy Worldwide appears ten times a year. It is distributed by the national along the bank offer a home to many Anthroposophical Societies and appears as a supplement to the weekly publication Das types of beetles and insects. The water Goetheanum. • Publisher: General Anthroposophical Society, represented by Paul Mac- course itself has no plantings since the kay • Editors: Douglas Miller (responsible for this English edition), Sebastian Jüngel Schwynbach is often dry in the summer (content and production), Axel Mannigel, Ursula Remund Fink, Michaela Spaar and Hans-Christian Zehnter • Correspondents: News Network Anthroposophy (NNA). We ex- (schwyn=“disappearing”). pressly seek active support and collaboration. To receive Anthroposophy Worldwide, apply It might be possible to solve this prob- to the Anthroposophical Society in your country. Alternatively, subscriptions are available for lem in the future—the town closed off CHF 30.– (EUR/US$ 20.–) per year from the address below. An e-mail version is available springs near the Glass House that could to members of the Anthroposophical Society only at: www.goetheanum.org/630.html?L=1. Please send address changes to the address on the envelope! To contact the editors: Wochen- be reactivated to keep the flow of water schrift Das Goetheanum, Postfach, CH–4143 Dornach 1, Switzerland; fax +41 (0)61 706 44 65; constant. | Martina Kallenberg [email protected] Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08 | 7

■ Goetheanum

Social Science Section: Social Sculpture—Monte Azul Conference Workshop for Humanity

On October 3–5, over 300 participants experienced and discussed the connection im- Fischer Charlotte Photo: plied in “Social Sculpture—Monte Azul.” The conference took its start from Hermann Pohlmann’s experience of the Monte Azul Favela Community Association as social sculpture. Its founder, Ute Craemer, also took an active part in the conference.

t was quite a festival! At the end, when Hunger, murder, prostitution, and drug I we all said goodbye, every eye was traffic were again suppressed through damp. And it happened in this way: many the power of St. Michael. years ago, when Hermann Pohlmann vis- ited São Paulo’s Monte Azul favela for Driven by a Thought the first time, he had the impression: Susanne Rotermund, a coworker at „Here everything placed in Monte Azul, had introduced the theme our hearts as an idea as become a reality! with a creation myth told by the Brazil- Monte Azul is a social sculpture.“ That ian Guarani Indians. It ended in this way: led to the conference. „One day the aged Titari, an old wise The conference was meant to bring man, dreamt about how this age of crisis Beuys’ idea together with a working might end. In his dream, he traced the social sculpture. Activists could under- route taken by the tribe across the great stand their work in a new and perhaps water. There they had split into various deeper way; the thinkers, however, could groups and populated parts of the earth. test their idea by perceiving something These were the black, yellow, and white Farewell: Brazilian folklore at the Elizabeth Church in real life and finding out if it had living races. Then—in his dream—he saw how in Basel content or was simply a dream. the people of these three races returned to the race that had remained behind, about a union of willing and thinking, and The Power of St. Michael the red race. Initially, great confusion intensify it into a power to act that will Were these aspects brought together? arose when the four races met, but af- continue to flow when the pioneers are In his closing lecture, Johannes Stüttgen ter the wheel of time had turned it was gone. Her teachers are Friedrich Schiller, sought to find an answer as he struggled possible for the seed of a new people to Rudolf Steiner, and Joseph Beuys. for words. He had arrived with a finished appear, the golden people.“ lecture but now, after his experience of Whether Monte Azul is really a social A Toy for Kosovo Ute Craemer and her Monte Azul troupe, sculpture never became clear, probably It is hard to tell whether the conference he simply did not know what to say. It because this concept is still unborn. Did itself had social-sculptural qualities as a was as though he had been holding lec- this unique conference help the concept communal event. A drive for form and a tures about architecture for 30 years and progress toward its birth? We were able drive for sensuality mingled in a way that now he suddenly stood before the pyra- to see how an idea is at work in driving was truly Brazilian. It was wonderful! mids! Stüttgen’s lecture then took a nice the activities of all the favela’s cowork- There is still a need to gather what was turn: „Monte Azul is perhaps the being of ers. What they radiated is nourished by done in the various working groups. But humanity as it strives to be born.“ the fact that this idea is being thought. one thing could be gained immediately: The high point was the dramatic por- The archangel, too, must be thought; a toy produced by one of the groups was trayal of Monte Azul’s 30 years: it was the concept of an archangel is needed. given to Beatrice Rutishauser’s initiative the story of a young man who prepares Where and how can we find it? Can we to help refugee children in Kosovo. In to incarnate into the darkness of earth in strengthen it contemplatively so that it addition, Monte Azul International was order to bring light. He is accompanied begins to radiate warmth and courage? founded to support the work there. by the hand of the archangel Michael. And this difficult concept of social sculp- One thought served as a leitmotif dur- But now, in the slums of São Paulo, he ture! In the seething city of São Paulo, ing the closing plenum: “Hearing what is in danger of forgetting his promise the slums! There? the other really means” is required for a to the archangel. He begins to despair A social-artistic work like Monte Azul culture of peace. We felt a painful lack of and becomes entangled in much that can flourish only if its feet are firmly this in ourselves during the conference. is dark. The cardboard boxes that serve planted on the ground of knowledge. Ute Finally, Ute Craemer said that the confer- as slum dwellings are thrown into sud- Craemer has kept her eye unerringly on ence had not closed, but had opened— den chaos when they are swept by evil, the star of anthroposophy from the be- like a hyperbola—to the future. | Peter and almost everything is destroyed. But ginning, and has worked in that way. She Guttenhöfer, Kassel (Germany) the startled actors quickly rebuilt their had discussed the idea of social sculpture huts and formed the Assosiação Comu- with her coworkers for months before Contact: Monte Azul International, Edda Rie- nitária anew, giving it an inward order. this conference. The intent was to bring del, [email protected] 8 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ Anthroposopy in the World

in surfaced dur- Indonesia: Anthroposophical Work ing the introduction of anthroposophy Wider Consciousness to Jakarta. Needless to say, the seminar has added one more commitment by On October 17–18, 2008, about 30 The Bakti Nusa Foundation to start its people took part in the first seminar on first Waldorf kindergarten in Indonesia.| “An Introduction to ” Hans van Florenstein Mulder, Christchurch, in Jakarta. Teachers, founders of schools, New Zealand community activists, and parents came to learn something new about an edu- cational system that differs widely from the one they are familiar with.

Japan: Shikoku Anthroposophy Circle t was an initiative from the Yayasan I (Foundation) Bakti Nusa with the Growing support of the General Anthroposophy Founded in 2007 (Anthroposophy World- Society—Representative in Asia, Hans wide, No. 9/2007), the Anthroposophy van Florenstein Mulder and Catharina Circle has been working on the small- van Florenstein Mulder. The foundation est of the four main Japanese islands felt it was time to introduce an educa- (Shikoku). Since then, its activities have tion system that will raise the local con- begun to blossom: art and eurythmy, sciousness of our humanit y, star ting with three members’ meetings, visits by our children. This will be one of the many guests from around the world, and two endeavors to be mounted in a endeavor new newsletters. Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Dramas: Gioia Falk (left) to meet the multifaceted challenges of Indonesia development, both physically month after our founding meeting nese. This was followed by conversations and mentally. A in August 2007 we held our first and basic questions about the Anthropo- Indonesia with its 236 million people members’ meeting; the theme was The sophical Society and its tasks. (the fourth-largest population in the Art Impulse of Anthroposophy and its In the first year of our work we were world) certainly needs to find and follow Relation to Eurythmy. We recalled the able to welcome foreign guests. Euryth- new pathways if it is to accelerate its beginnings of eurythmy and the 1907 mist Dorothea Mier visited from the USA growth and bring its people prosperity Munich Congress, and through the train- in November, 2007. Kazuhiko and Emi on an equal and fair basis. ing of eurythmist Yuki Matuyama we Yoshida came in September, 2008; Yoshi- The seminar ended with a positive re- connected with the 100th anniversary. da is a musician who lives in Munich with sponse from the audience. The attend- In our second meeting we took up Ru- his wife Emi, a curative eurythmist. The ees were enthusiastic about establish- dolf Steiner’s first Letter to the Members couple advises and assists our circle; dur- ing a Waldorf-Steiner school in Jakarta (newly translated into Japanese). We ing their visit they held discussions with in the near future. Some other interests stumbled over the first sentence: “The the council, members, and friends on the intention of the Christmas Conference theme “How can we further cultivate the Hoping for a Waldorf school in Jakarta: Hans just ended was to give the Anthropo- anthroposophical work on the island, van Florenstein-Mulder at the seminar sophical Society the form it requires so and what can we contribute?” that it can care for the anthroposophi- cal movement” (Das Goetheanum, No. A Living Exchange 1/1924). We needed a whole meeting Together with Gioia and Johannes Photo: Supplied Photo: to get a feeling for the tension between Falk, we held our first Michael Festival; “Society” and “movement.” this festival is hardly known in Japan. We expressed a wish to learn about the New Impulses Mystery dramas (Anthroposophy World- On May 4, 2008, we held our third wide, No. 9/2008). Using twigs, flowers, members meeting in Tokushima—also and stones we made a stage on the floor our first large members’ meeting. - Ka of the hall. Under the Falks’ direction we zuhiro Suzuki, speech formationist and studied three figures from the Mystery council member of the Tokyo anthro- dramas in order to bring an experience posophical group, provided an artistic of the Michael element. opening for the day. We spoke the Foun- We tried to meet often during our first dation Stone meditation in German for year. But since our membership is widely the first time; previously we had heard it scattered on the island, it was impossible in German, but always spoken it in Japa- for everyone to participate in the meet- Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08 | 9

■ Anthroposopy in the World Goetheanum

Meeting: Goetheanum Meditation Initiative Worldwide

Photo: Supplied Photo: Source of Freedom and Quest for Encounter On October 10–12, the core group of the Goetheanum Meditation Initiative World- wide held its first meeting in Dornach. The international initiative hopes to strengthen the presence of anthroposophy in the work of meditation and the inner culture in our modern world (Das Goetheanum, No. 24/2008).

ost of the time during our first M meeting was taken up with get- ting to know one another and describing our experiences, projects, work groups and courses—how meditative work is being cultivated in each of the countries. This first encounter demonstrated the unexpectedly rich variety of method- ological approaches and ways of work- ing in our individual lives and paths of knowledge. The group came to a common under- standing about two significant aspects of anthroposophical meditation it con- siders indispensable. One is that anthro- Rudolf Steiner’s Mystery Dramas: Gioia Falk (left) posophical meditation arises in free- dom; the path of exercise begins with ings. To help with the situation we tried one’s own insight and motivation, and Finding the Inner Light in Uprightness: to keep in contact through two newslet- the goal is individual practice and main- Meditation Watercolor: Valeska Mannigel ters. taining one’s independence from those who introduce the meditation or groups volved in preparing it. These are current An Important Role where the exercises are conducted. efforts to provide such a shared deepen- “Anthroposophy can only flourish as The other aspect concerns a goal of ing, and they are an example of practical a living being. For the basic character of knowledge, i.e., to throw a spiritual light research in this area. its being is life. That is why it wants to on the burning issues of our time, and to During the next few months, the be cared for by the living soul, by a warm remain (or become) capable of dialogue members of the core group will seek out heart” (Das Goetheanum, No. 3/1924). with people who are struggling to re- conversation with those in their own We found the name for our monthly solve these issue—even those outside countries who are working to advance members’ newsletter in these words anthroposophy. This is where we need anthroposophical meditation or wish from Rudolf Steiner: Life. Up to now, each to find a basis for the path of exercise, a to begin such work (although the group issue has carried one of Rudolf Steiner’s way to describe it in the face of contem- makes no claim to completeness or any Letters to the Members along with vari- porary science. sort of representative arrangement). ous articles and announcements. A new The group’s intention is to support other series began in January 2008: The People Finding Contacts such initiatives and make them visible, on Shikoku. Members can write their own The participants agreed to take up and to discover what needs are present short biographies in order to introduce two tasks for the coming months, tasks in the area of anthroposophical medita- themselves to the group. We are trying that appear where the basic goal of the tion. They also offer to serve as contacts to gain a deeper acquaintance with one initiative arises. First, supporting and for anyone who may wish to come into another in this way so that a conscious- deepening meditative practice wherever conversation with the Goetheanum ness of community can arise. it is offered (or beginning to be offered) Meditation Initiative Worldwide. | Wolf- The second newsletter is the quarterly by anthroposophical groups and institu- gang Tomaschitz, Vienna, Austria; Rudy Zodiac. Everyone can communicate with tions. Second, finding and connecting Vandercruysse, Heidelberg, Germany the circle, whether it be a report about a with people who are actively working conference, a personal experience, or a with meditation in the arena of anthro- Participants were Ron Dunselman, Ursula Flatters, Gertrude Hughes, Bodo von Plato, thought. This “open forum,” provides in- posophy. Robin Schmidt, Wolfgang Tomaschitz, Troels formation about initiatives and events, One course has already begun at the Using, Rudy Vandercruysse, Elizabeth Wirsch- and 150 free copies are distributed Goetheanum (Paths to an Inner Culture). ing, Arthus Zajonc, and Heinz Zimmermann. throughout Shikoku; it plays an impor- Basic Elements of a Meditative Life will Carina Schmid was absent because of a tour. tant role in the public work of our circle. | be offered in early 2009; most members www. meditation.goetheanum.org Tetsuo Takeshita, Kagawaken, Japan of the core working group have been in- 10 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ AnthroposophyAnthroposophical in theSociety World

General Secretaries’ Conference apparent that the Society also has its damming problems—the challenge is to Space for Something New recognize the congestion and release it in The conference of General Secretaries of the General Anthroposophical Society on crossing a threshold. When life flows be- November 4–7 took up questions of world events, the current tasks of the Anthropo- tween members it can also flow beyond sophical Society, and developments at the Goetheanum. One of the themes was how the Society—perhaps this is an image for to provide understanding and help for threshold experiences. the situation in human society. Another experience for an increasing number of people is the splitting of the three soul forces on crossing the thresh- old. This becomes evident in the pain

Photo: MartinaKallenberg Photo: human beings inflict on one another through words, emotions and deeds. How can we in our trainings—and in life—support, help and protect others in their experience of crossing the thresh- old?

A Place for Each in Community We are now challenged to take the large themes we identified as the living and basic tasks of the Anthroposophical Society—a beyond religion and church, the meditative path of an- Center and periphery in harmony: Arches in the west stairwell at the Goetheanum throposophy, the thoughts of destiny and reincarnation, the Michaelic charac- s they do every fall, General Secre- warmth within the group are tangible— ter of our time—back to our own coun- A taries from around the world gath- the interest in the others and what they tries and cultivate them so that they can ered at the Goetheanum. Like musicians bring, together with a capacity to listen, deepen and grow in the Society. To meet bearing their individual instruments, folk to create a space where something new one another for that each has a place in tunes, rhythms and tones, they come can arise. It was possible to hear every the community—that is the living task of to the conference with the intention voice in the course of the presentations, the Anthroposophical Society. So it was to work creatively together. Amid a ca- discussions and conversations. in this meeting. The basic tasks of the So- cophony of sounds, ringing with joy and Eurythmy provided a springboard into ciety were not only discussed, but taken anticipation, they gather. A single instru- the day. Not only did it connect and bring up and practiced. | Sue Simpson, Havelock ment sounds, touching the spirit of what us into movement but throughout the North, New Zealand brings them together. meetings the relevance of the exercises New members Norma Blackwood echoed into the topics and conversa- ■ Corrections from Australia (Anthroposophy World- tions. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 8/2008— wide, No. 7/2008) and Mats-Ola Ohlsson from Sweden (Anthroposophy World- Financial Crisis and the Threshold p. 1: Dr. König’s play ends: “Words in the wide, No. 6/2008) are welcomed. The The theme, The Basic Tasks of the So- mouth of God. Our tongues in His re- tuning begins—can each find his or her ciety, wove its way through all the topics sounding, syllables in His sounding.” note and harmonize with the others? and discussions, whether it was the Mys- p. 6: Marion Ammann starts a line with Will the individual find resonance in the tery dramas, the inner life, meditation, “some initial impetus,” not with “force.” group, the creative energy become music themes for the year, or world conversa- p. 7: Marion Ammann wanted to find out that resounds around the world? Can we tions. Two areas of immediate interest more about Rudolf Steiner, not Rudolf touch the music of the spheres? were the present world financial crisis Steiner Schools. and crossing the threshold as an experi- p. 7: Marion Ammann refers to a “psy- Positivity and Warmth ence of our times. chic” washout, not a “physical” one. This conference brings the periphery In response to a request to deepen Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 9/2008— and center together. In recent years, eight our understanding of the world financial new General Secretaries have joined the crisis and its relationship to the Society, p. 1: The title of the 100th anniversary circle of the conference. Each brings his Philip Martyn (England) and Paul Mackay event in Norway was The Human Being or her own impulse and flavor. Forms and (Goetheanum) led us into the topic, clari- in the World and the World in the Human processes are transformed in the shared fying the effect of living on false credit Being. work, not always a comfortable journey and highlighting the problems that arise p. 12: From Jane Hipolito: but a necessary one. The positivity and when money does not flow. It became actually put a high value on literature. Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08 | 11

■ AnthroposophyAnthroposophical in theSociety World

Conference of Those Carrying Responsibility for the Society Contemplating our Basic Tasks On November 7–9 almost 200 people who carry responsibility for groups within the General Anthroposophical Society discussed four of its central tasks. They spoke about the fact that these themes are not just recognized—they also have an effect that radi- ates outward from the Anthroposophical Society.

roup and branch leaders met Society can have a stronger and clearer G with the Executive Council at the effect in the world? Goetheanum to work on the basic tasks for the General Anthroposophical So- Development, Metamorphosis ciety, a meeting held against the back- and Darwin drop of the dramatic destiny events of In view of the fact that 2009 will be our time. Earlier work on these tasks had celebrated publicly as the Darwin bicen- been done by the Executive Council dur- tennial, our new theme for the year will ing its summer retreat, had been taken be devoted to an understanding of de- up in the Collegium of the School for velopment and metamorphosis in con- Spiritual Science, and also discussed dur- nection with thinking of the heart. In his ing the annual fall conference of General contribution, Johannes Kühl explained Secretaries held a few days earlier. that Rudolf Steiner had examined the work of Charles Darwin and Ernst Haeck- An Understanding of the Christ el in depth, and that these two figures Four tasks crystallized out of the dis- had been one element in preparing the cussions. One was an understanding of way for anthroposophy. The thought of Christianity no longer bound to a church development, the idea that things are ca- or world view, but based in knowledge pable of change and have a will to change and experience. A second task is our rela- arose in the age of Goethe, and it is deep- tionship to the being of Anthroposophia. ly connected with the possibilities given It is important in the study of anthropos- to humanity through the Christ event. An ophy as a spiritual science, in our prac- understanding of these possibilities can tices, and in our mediation. Thinking of only come through the capacity of heart the heart (the theme of the year in vari- thinking as described by Rudolf Steiner. ous ways over the past few years) brings The work was accompanied by the a capacity to deepen this connection. General Anthroposophical Society’s The third topic was a new understand- Foundation Stone Meditation, first ing of reincarnation and karma in modern through Paul Mackay’s lecture on its civilization, and thus engagement with rhythms, and then through a presen- the social question in its broadest sense. tation in eurythmy. | Monika Clément, Finally there is the theme of the Michael- Goetheanum ic character of the present time—its task of “bringing the greatest public openness A clearer effect in the world: View from the Goetheanum imaginable together with a genuine, true esotericism” brings the Anthroposophi- cal Society as a Michael Society directly into the challenges of our age. The discussion was stimulated by lectures (especially from Virginia Sease, Sergei Prokofieff, and Seija Zimmer- mann) and continued in lively discussion groups and plenums; individual points of view emerged and brought into connec- tion with work at home in the branch or study group. An open, sometimes problematic question remained: How can we not only recognize these themes, but also work

Photo: Douglas Miller on them so that the Anthroposophical MartinaKallenberg Photo: 12 | Anthroposophy Worldwide No. 10/08

■ AnthroposophyFeature in the World

Germany: “project.zeitung” philosophy at the Goetheanum) does the layout. A “Permanent Conference” with Style Most of the journal is the result of The project.zeitung is a most original publication; it means “project news.” For two an exchange between the two, and also years, every issue has been a new creation. Benjamin Kolass and Philipp Tok are the with about 50 other writers who enjoy main carriers, along with other (mainly young) people who are interested in anthro- the pursuit of thought. Kolass actually posophy. Here is a look at their goals and methods. calls the journal a “permanent confer- ence” and a “medium for perception.” On average, a “journal meeting” takes place once a month in different loca- Photo: Supplied Photo: tions. There questions like “Why do you get up in the morning?” and “What keeps us together?” are pursued, and texts are discussed—often the discussions go on for nights. The answers mostly remain open, or do not reveal themselves to Ko- lass and Tok until later.

Now Explicit Then comes the practical part. The editors most often have a lot of con- tributions to work with. But many of these must first go through the “edito- rial treatment”—a process the authors invariably find painful yet clarifying. It is always the basic questions that inspire In conversation: Benjamin Kolass (left) and Philipp Tok and impel the two. One example: In a report on his trav- els, Kolass asked “In the face of all these ine issues show the scope of the sales and gifts—there are no advertise- problems, how can I, as a young German, N Project Journal. Each volume has ments. Thus is remains an open question report productively on the situation in Is- its own unique character—the first as to how long the journal will continue. rael and Palestine?” In the end, the oth- things that strike the reader are the for- erwise darkly contemplative and literary mats and the colors on the title pages. Connected by Questions text opened with a photograph radiat- Thin paperbacks (that can be read with If there is one thing that characterizes ing a purely paradisiacal atmosphere, ease on the subway) have replaced the the project, it would be the questions. not with a picture of war. “Only then did original larger formats. An Advent calen- There is probably no comparable publica- we succeed in showing the spectrum dar and an issue in poster form have also tion with so many questions. It would be that still marks the land today.” appeared. Inside the stylish publications, simply unbearable if they did not seem The editors and authors provided an simple in form, there are transcripts of so authentically existential. But the need explicit indication of their background conversations, personal experiences, for questions, the shared quest, the ad- for the first time in the current issue commentary, reports about initiatives venture of the Socratic, shines forth as (dedicated to the “esthetic experience”) throughout the world, photographs, and what really connects the authors. Many and in a second issue (“What needs to visual arts. Themes like “Identity,” “Edu- of the texts can be felt as fragments—or happen now?” basically co-organized cation,” “Esthetic Experience,” or the in the best cases, distillations—of a long by Philipp Tok) that appeared at the simple question “What Needs to Hap- conversation. Goetheanum. There—along with con- pen Now?” make their way through the A talk with the two guarantors of the tributions from conference speakers— issues. project’s continuity, Benjamin Kolass we find (mostly abbreviated) texts by Some of the project’s results have ap- and Philipp Tok, brings a direct insight Friedrich Hölderlin, Friedrich Nietzsche, peared at conferences in the Goethea- into how they work. Their names are the and Rudolf Steiner. Thus, in many ways num—as an introduction, a closing, or only ones to appear in every masthead; the project news is embedded in a tradi- a continuation. The Youth Section gave they founded the journal in the sum- tion to which it belongs—in a contempo- one issue to its members as a kind of an- mer of 2006 as a collaboration with ten rary “project” way. | Elisabeth Wiederkehr, nual report; many of its projects find a other representatives of various new , Germany platform in the journal. About 500 cop- initiatives. Since that time, Kolass (who ies of each issue are sold—altogether, freelances in Berlin as the publicist for Advent Calendar: “projekt.zeitung,” Wiecher- over 10,000 volumes are in circulation. the public work of theaters) has acted as strasse 44, DE-10439 Berlin, Germany; info@ projektzeitung.org. € 10.–. The whole journal is financed solely by editor, and Tok (who is studying cultural