A Long Breath Finding Each Other in Confrontation

No. 10 • December 2004

Goetheanum: Meeting of First Class Holders 3 General Secretaries, Branch and Group Leaders Meet 3 Council of General Secretaries: Rules of Procedure 4 Business Audit 5 Anthroposophical Society: Christmas Appeal 2 Norway: New General Secretary Frode Barkved 6 Estonia: 80 Years of the Anthroposophical Society 8 Anthroposophy in the World: Goetheanum: First Cleaning Conference 8 India: Meeting of Asia, the Pacific

and the Goetheanum 9 Photo: Ulrich Rösch Brazil: 30 Years of Biodynamic Engagement 10 Goetheanum Excecutive Council Members U.S.A: Youth Conference Cornelius Pietzner and Paul Mackay on the Working of Christ 11 in India (p. 9) Feature: Traces of Biodynamic Agriculture in Estonia 12

A Long Breath Finding Each Other in Confrontation

Thinking is 'exposition of differences' [Ger- Yet at the same time this obstinacy of man auseinandersetzen: literally to set out, set youth is thought-provoking for many adults. apart, i.e. lay out the component parts.] One Will these strong personalities ever manage to sets oneself out from, or apart from the world, step beyond their clear viewpoints and begin to in order to abstract it. This thinking has some- communicate again, to sit down together thing defiant, like young people running away instead of setting apart? In our day and age this from home to then also seek out the sorting- concern is unfortunately more than justified. out confrontation with the world. They want What is needed is a long breath and the to make clear that they just are how they are, ability to endure confrontation of this kind. and don't give a hoot about convention. Con- Only those who know who they are can really ventions are after all actually contracts in sit down together again, if old power struc- which arrangements are laid down to bridge tures and dogma are not to take up the scepter. over the confrontation of differences. Unfortunately we have to realize that while But someone who is defiant does not want thinking can be liberating, it will unavoidably bridges. He wants to state clearly: 'This is what bring with it severe confrontation. I am, and I won't put up with anything that I The world will not be able to get around don't want! This is my opinion and my point this painful process if it wants to go the way of of view and I won't have anything prescribed freedom. Trust can grow in confrontation, to me.' As an adult one needs to say: 'It's good without having to give oneself up in the that these young people develop and form their process - trust in finding the other, in connect- own personality. This belongs to our time.' ing in a new way out of one's own free will, as This is namely the time in which thinking, is actually said in the old word 'religion'. thanks to the successes of science, has won a Patrick Züfle, Zurich (Switzerland) final victory over just believing.

1 Christmas Appeal 2004 S.J. Photo:

Dear Members and Friends, building clean, well lit and welcoming, these three aspects of our work, cre- requires attention to the details, and at ates a moral and practical foundation It was slightly over 80 years ago the same time reflects our deeper val- that gives strength and builds capacity that Rudolf Steiner, in a continual ues and respect for our members, visi- to unfold the activities and responsi- increase in daily activity, gave the tors, and those who experience the bilites that are incumbent on the Curative Course in a series of 12 sem- Goetheanum for the first time. This is Goetheanum, the Anthroposophical inal lectures. Today, these are as essen- simple in some ways, yet also essen- Society and the School of Spiritual tial and important as in 1924. In the tial. Science. Your financial support, in 10th lecture Steiner offers the advice The Anthroposophical Society is whatever amount, enables this work to focus with devotion on the small dedicated to collaborating with the to take place. Thank you very much details of life. Within these details an groups and initiatives in different in advance for your engagement and entire universe can be found. Howev- countries, sharing ideas and concerns. commitment. er, this advice is not meant in a pedan- Content and ideas need forms and tic or small-minded way. It is a way to structures that belong to ‘detail think- Sincerely, train oneself in perceiving the context ing’. A world Society such as ours is and wholeness of a situation, and made up of members from many very building an attitude or mood around a different countries, with diverse needs situation. With our world becoming and expressions of anthroposophy. It evermore complex, with global reali- is critical that we understand these ties embedded in events that are not differences and needs, that we observe Cornelius M. Pietzner easy to understand, the concern for keenly and with interest what lives in Treasurer & Executive Council Member the seemingly insignificant detail in the souls of members around the our lives, in our surroundings, in our world. In the School of Spiritual Sci- communities and environment seems ence each Section manifests diverse compelling. By taking care of the characteristics and possiblities. Each Ways to Donate small things we learn to enhance and of these must also be incorporated by Please mark your donation: “The train our capacities and imbue them the whole in a striving to give voice to Goetheanum Christmas Appeal.” with an attitude that connects us, what is universally human, and what 1) Checks: Make out to General Anthropo- rather than distancing us, from the connects us as human beings to the sophical Society and send to: Goetheanum, c/o Rudolf Hafner, Post- world. spiritual in the universe. Each element fach, CH–4143 Dornach 1, Switzerland. Such a statement can be related to must also be supported with practical 2) Credit card: telephone +41/61/706 44 20 the Goetheanum, to the world Soci- deeds. or e-mail to [email protected]. ety, to the School of Spiritual Science. In asking you now for your gen- 3) Deposits: These three areas interweave and pen- erous financial support and gift, we – Switzerland: General Anthroposophical etrate each other. In each area we can, ask you to recognize the urgent neces- Society, acct. no. 10060.71 at Raiffeisen- bank in CH–4143 Dornach, Switzerland. and must, focus with devotion on the sity to provide a real and substantial IBAN: CH36 8093 9000 0010 06071, details. In doing so we build a more basis for these elements - in the Clearing no. 80939-1 (for international complete sense of the whole and its Goetheanum, the Anthroposophical transfers, Swiftcode: RAIFCH22) or Postkonto of Raiffeisenbank no. 40-9606-4 needs. It is out of the interaction of Society and the School of Spiritual – Other countries: Use one of the accounts the sometimes modest elements or Science. Each individual can make a above or, to receive a valid confirmation achievements that we can observe the financial commitment, and we are for tax purposes, the account of the relevance to larger, even global events. very grateful for your participation Anthroposophical Society in your country. Observing and taking care of specific and help at this time. Your willingness The Finance Department will be happy to speak with you if you have any questions: aspects within the Goetheanum itself, to donate, to recognize the necessity Tel. +41 (0)61 706 44 20. such as fixing the roof, keeping the for all of us to nurture the care of

Anthroposophy Worldwide Anthroposophy Worldwide is published ten times a year. It is distrib- Correspondents / News Agency: Jürgen Vater (Sweden), News Net- uted by the national Anthroposophical Societies – in some cases aug- work Anthroposophy (NNA) mented by independently edited news and articles. It also appears as a To receive Anthroposophy Worldwide, please apply to the Anthropo- supplement to the weekly publication Das Goetheanum. sophical Society in your country. Alternatively, individual subscriptions Publisher: are available for CHF 30.– per year from the address below. An e-mail General Anthroposophical Society, represented by Paul Mackay. version is available to members of the Anthroposophical Society only at: www.goetheanum.ch/ wochenschrift/worldwide.html. Editors: Helen Lubin (translator and editor, responsible for the English edition), Address: Sebastian Jüngel, Axel Mannigel, Dietrich Rapp, Ursula Remund Fink Please send address changes to the address on the envelope! Use this and Michaela Spaar, in collaboration with Justus Wittich and Falk address to contact the editors: Zientz. Weekly publication Das Goetheanum, Postfach, CH–4143 Dornach 1, We expressly wish for active support and collaboration. Switzerland; fax +41 (0)61 706 44 65; [email protected] © Copyright 2004 General Anthroposophical Society, Dornach, Switzerland. Printing by J.W. Arrowsmith Ltd. Bristol

2 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004

Anthroposophy in the World Greater Effectiveness Meeting of Class Holders of the First Class of the School of Spiritual Science

From November 5-7, 2004 the annual convening of class hold- the connection between the mantric work and the School were ers took place, in which some 260 participants from throughout the themes taken up by those responsible for the regional and the world worked together. The Christian essence of the local care of the esoteric contents of the First Class. mantras, the task of working effectively out in the world, and The entire event stood under the sign: concerns themselves with these con- General Anthroposophical Section to How can we strengthen the effective- tents. It is about being admitted to the the professional sections being one of ness of the School for Spiritual Science School of Spiritual Science, which, as a total organism permeated by all today, both inwardly and outwardly? the General Anthroposophical Section aspects of itself. Given this total Besides the substantial contribu- and professional sections, has the cen- organism, how can the General tions on the Christian aspect in the 19 tral task of having the esoterics of Anthroposophical Section come to groups of mantras of the First Class, anthroposophy become enlivening in distinguish itself clearly? we also discussed in plenum as well as the Anthroposophical Society and in In conclusion, there was a pre- in the conversation groups the follow- the end also effective in the wider view of the conference of the School ing set of questions in particular: world. Given these aspects, what is of Spiritual Science of July 2-9, 2005, How does the work with the 19 the meaning of the admission-conver- when the entire cycle of the 19 class groups of mantra given by Rudolf sation? And: What new challenges lessons will be held in free rendering. Steiner for the class members stand come about for the class holders as a within the contextual totality of the result of this? Further Meetings School, the Anthroposophical Society Individual groupings had met earlier and the public? The School as a Total Organism (the Swiss class holders, those from One who becomes a member of What are the consequences of the fact the north, and those of the romance the School gives expression to his will that the contents of the School given languages). In addition, for the first to be at the disposition of anthropo- by Rudolf Steiner are accessible to time the collegium of the School came sophical concerns - a representative of anyone today, and that there are many together with a circle of class holders anthroposophy. In this task, the man- groups that work with these texts - who, as contacts to the many circles tras of the First Class are an invalu- within or outside of the context of the of class holders that have formed able means. For this reason, the signif- School? What are the problems result- worldwide, had been invited. In this icance of the conversation with the ing from this and what are the practi- way a stronger collaboration among class holder regarding admission into cal consequences to be drawn? the class holders, meanwhile number- the Class is not just in regard to being In addition, there was conversa- ing 900, is being attempted. admitted to the context of those who tion about the relationship of the Heinz Zimmermann, Goetheanum

More Concerted Agreements Common Motives Motifs at the Conference of General Secretaries At the conference of general secre- and the Meeting of Branch and Group Leaders taries and the meeting of branch and At the convergence of the meeting of the general secretaries from November 9th group leaders, it became apparent that to12th and that of the branch and group leaders from the 12th to the 14th, some cen- both gatherings had three main themes tral themes were common to both: leitmotifs of anthroposophical work, consultation in common. on next year’s theme-of-the-year and presentation of initiatives in the world Society. With a view to common anthroposophical leitmotifs, Bodo von Plato made At the meeting at the Goetheanum of world, Cornelius Pietzner sketched reference to the Anthroposophical Leading the general secretaries with the execu- the phenomenon of divergence from Thoughts, the Michael Letters, the statutes tive council and collegium, the agenda virtues that call for sensitive, truthful of the Anthroposophical Society that items were, as also at other times, cultivation in the social realm. Taking were passed in 1923/24, Rudolf Steiner’s about the situation in the world as the example of truthfulness, he elabo- addresses during and after the Christmas well as the care and development of rated on distortion in lies and error as Foundation Conference in 1923/24, as anthroposophical work. In addition, well as seduction in all forms of fun- well as the connection of esoterics and the assembly also passed the formula- damentalism and fanaticism. public openness, and asked how these tion of rules of procedure drafted a Pietzner made reference to the motifs would be formulated today out of year ago. In keeping with this, this falsehood in politics and economics on actual anthroposophical work. committee of the General Anthropo- hand of the example of George Bush’s The life of the Anthroposophical sophical Society is now called the reasons for going to war in Iraq Society, which was a further founda- ‘Council of General Secretaries and (weapons of mass destruction, and a tional motif that Seija Zimmermann National Representatives’ (text on p. connection between Saddam Hussein depicted, wants to be carried by con- 4). The new general secretaries of and Osama bin Laden), which so far crete human relationship (see Rudolf Norway and Canada, Frode Barkved have showed themselves to be un- Steiner’s lecture of September 5, 1924). (see p. 6) and Philip Thatcher, respec- founded. He also referred to the bank- Heinz Zimmermann placed con- tively, introduced themselves. ruptcies of large companies. In politics crete initiatives in the center, particu- and spiritual life, according to Pietzner, larly concerning spiritual scientific Truthfulness: Indicator of the State a growing fundamentalism is coming study and meditative practice, and of the World to expression, such as religious fanati- encouraged work on these central In looking at the situation in the cism becoming a political instrument. themes in the School and Society.

Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 3

Interchange mon, consciously carried content for At the conference of general secre- on the Theme of the Year the Anthroposophical Society. Many taries, for example, the six working The work with basic anthroposophi- branches have the need to know the areas of the General Section (study/- cal motifs led to putting the future theme earlier, so that the branch pro- inner path/meditation, study of the theme of the year, concerning gram can make reference to it. The gen- human being, reincarnation and kar- ‘Michaelic culture’, into concrete eral feeling also emerged that the theme ma, Christology and study of the terms. This was the first time that the of the year should be deepened, with hierarchies, social competence and coming theme of the year was thor- nuances, over a span of several years. questions pertaining to time and evo- oughly deliberated at this meeting. Seed talks, workgroups on specif- lution) were taken up in small groups. The intention of the theme of the ic themes and open conversation were Sebastian Jüngel year continues to be to create a com- the work methods of both meetings. Source: Bodo von Plato

Rules of Procedure Concerning the General Secretaries and National Representatives (as of November 14, 2004)

The Council of General Secretaries 2. if the majority of the members of the the Executive Council. The Executive There exists within the framework of national Society are no longer in Council sets the agenda, taking into the General Anthroposophical Soci- agreement with the general secretary; account the concerns and proposals of ety the Council of General Secre- 3. if objection is raised by the leader- the members of the Council of Gen- taries, which embraces the general ship of the General Anthroposoph- eral Secretaries. The invitations to secretaries of the national Societies, ical Society. these sessions shall be sent out at least the members of the Executive Coun- three weeks prior to the sessions. cil, and the section leaders at the Tasks of the General Secretaries Replacements on the Executive Goetheanum (referred to in what fol- Rudolf Steiner’s statement of Novem- Council of the General Anthropo- lows as ‘Council of General Secre- ber 18, 1923 in Holland as well as sophical Society take place in consul- taries’). those of December 24 and 25, 1923 at tation with the Council of General the Christmas Foundation Confer- Secretaries. The latter is as a rule also Appointment of General Secretaries ence on the subject of general secre- included in the event of replacements and National Representatives taries (see supplement) are valid now on the Collegium of the School of If in any given country a national as then, and are here summarized and Spiritual Science. Society exists as a group of the Gen- supplemented accordingly under the The Council of General Secre- eral Anthroposophical Society and following three items: taries can delegate certain tasks to consists of at least 500 members, it 1. The general secretaries represent individual members or to several of can, at the invitation of the Council the General Anthroposophical its members. This can be the case in of General Secretaries, delegate a gen- Society to the members of their particular in any instance of exclusion eral secretary to this Council. national Societies. of members from the General If there exists in a country a 2. The general secretaries and the Anthroposophical Society. The gen- group of the General Anthroposoph- national representatives represent eral secretary of the country in which ical Society and consisting of at least their national Societies to the lead- a member’s exclusion is at issue shall 50 members, it can, at the invitation ership of the General Anthropo- be included in the deliberations. of the Council of General Secretaries, sophical Society. Besides the regular meetings of delegate a national representative to 3. The general secretary should be a the Council of General Secretaries, this Council. person in his/her national Society the general secretaries also meet in The naming of the general secre- who is known and who is men- regional or thematic conferences. taries and national representatives tioned when the Society is men- They report on these meetings to the takes place at the suggestion of the tioned. other members of the Council of national Society and is confirmed by The Council of General Secretaries General Secretaries and provide for the Executive Council at the advises on matters of the General informing the members of the Gener- Goetheanum in agreement with the Anthroposophical Society, in particu- al Anthroposophical Society. Council of General Secretaries. lar the shaping of the anthroposophi- National Societies with more cal work worldwide and the annual Costs than 15,000 members can delegate general meeting with its decisions and The costs incurred by sending general two general secretaries. motions. secretaries and national representa- As a rule there is no substitution The Council of General Secre- tives to meet together are, as a rule, for general secretaries on the Council taries observes membership develop- carried be the respective national of General Secretaries. Should it nev- ment in the various countries and in Societies themselves. ertheless be necessary to send a sub- the General Anthroposophical Soci- stitute, this is to be arranged in eties, and invites general secretaries Dornach, November 14, 2003, follow- advance with the Executive Council and national representatives to work ing the closing conversation of the at the Goetheanum. together in these countries as needed. Council of General Secretaries, The office of general secretary ceases: At least twice a year the Council November 12, 2004. 1. in the event of a resignation; of General Secretaries is convened by

Correction: In the process of editing the article The Right Thing at the Right Time for Anthroposophy Worldwide no. 8, 2004, p. 7, an error crept in. The first meeting of Central Asian Waldorf initiatives in Kyrgyzstan was not organized by the ‘Friends of Rudolf Steiner’s Art of Education’ and the ‘Finnish Anthroposophical Center’. The seminar was organized by coworkers of the Gert Michail School, the Goethe-Gymnasium, the Nadjeshda Child Center and the central location for Education Abroad (Germany). It was able to take place thanks to the support of the ‘Finnish Anthroposophical Center’ TAMMEC, the ‘Friends of Rudolf Steiner’s Art of Education’ and IAO. We apologize for this mistake. Sebastian Jüngel

4 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004

Optimizing Limited Means Results and Consequences of the Business Audit at the Goetheanum

On October 22, 2004 the Goetheanum Executive Council and extensive commentary and response developed by the members of the Collegium of the School of Spiritual Science Goetheanum to the recommendations in the report (Anthro- met with representatives of anthroposophicallly related foun- posophy Worldwide no. 6, 2004, p. 7). This review meeting dations to review the final report of the foundations and the was candid and fruitful.

The audit was largely compiled with The analysis raised questions about 2)Stimulation of a fundamental change the guidance of Heiner Will from Soft- the urgent necessity of clear and deci- process in the Society by forming ware AG Stiftung und Herbert Meier sive leadership in three major areas: new initiatives regarding its develop- from the Treuhandstelle, though many ment, and the promotion of an ini- others were also involved in the actual 1)organization of a ‘change process’ tiative- and communication-network. analysis. The process was guided by within the Goetheanum and Society 3)Overall concepts for study and train- the Executive Committee of the 2)creation of financial transparency, ing opportunities at the Goethe- Council at the Goetheanum, although especially in expenditures anum here too over 25 coworkers were cen- 3)transparency (and evidence) in the 4)Visitor/customer-oriented revision trally involved in the process of review ‘added value’ of the Society and the and restructuring of functional areas and analysis. In this sense it was a Goetheanum for the needs and ques- at the Goetheanum comprehensive and inclusive process tions of individuals and organizations 5)Formation and presentation of a clear for the Goetheanum, shared by a fully (public) profile for the Goetheanum representative cross section of the car- It was noted that the Goetheanum 6)Optimization of financial trans- rying coworkers. needs to unify, strengthen and concen- parency and coordination of related Comments and concerns in the trate on its main or core tasks. With policies (such as the foundation audit were diverse and focussed on 11 so many diverse elements the overall grant application process from the major working areas and the Sections impact, resonance and reputation of Sections to foundations) of the School of Spiritual Science. the Goetheanum is unclear or even 7)Better implementation of the leader- While each department and Section confusing. This needs to be consoli- ship mandates and function-orien- was reviewed, and suggestions and dated, with a clearer, more evident and tated responsibilities that have al- analysis given for improvement, there accessible profile. At the same time we ready been delegated were also several specific comments wish to recognize and foster more 8)Reorganization of the stage and made in relation to the Goetheanum diversified and differentiated leader- conference organization as such. The analysis restricted itself ship functions, and recognize that the 9)Development and implementation of to the business operations of the Executive Council has specific job descriptions, annual work reviews Goetheanum to the extent possible responsibilities for the Goetheanum and a salary structure for Goethe- without wishing to comment on the and the world Society, and that the anum coworkers substantive work and direction of the Collegium also has responsibilities for Society, School or Goetheanum. the Goetheanum and the School of We have summarized the areas where The Goetheanum is in an impor- Spiritual Science. These are new ways we need to improve and develop fur- tant and difficult time. This expresses of working and we wish to find better ther clarity more broadly: itself financially and as a reflection of ways to really communicate this to the need to re-examine the develop- members so that we can move away a)The relationship of the many parts ments, vitality and growth of the Soci- from older and less relevant para- to the whole. How do they work ety worldwide. Rudolf Steiner clearly digms to the reality that the different together to increase the visibility had a broad and profound imagina- leadership gremiums actually wish to and effectiveness of the totality? tion for the role that the Anthropo- promote. b)The relationship of esoteric and sophical Society could and should It is incumbent on the leadership exoteric activities play in the spiritual and social life of to articulate, together with others, a c)The relationship (and tension) of human beings around the world. The perspective or leading image for the tradition and inheritance to a practi- growth and innovations in the move- future of the Anthroposophical Soci- cal and active realization of contem- ment have considerably outpaced the ety. This is work which has begun, porary needs and questions Society in the last decades. This is and will still take some time. It d)Leadership and clarity in coordina- cause for real concern. Furthermore, includes not only the coworkers at the tion of responsibilities the multifaceted responsibilities of the Goetheanum, but General Secretaries, Goetheanum as the center of the Group and Branch leaders, and many It is beyond the scope of this arti- Anthroposophical Society, as the seat others invited to actively participate in cle to list the detailed recommenda- of the School of Spiritual Science and such discussions. tions and the responses and initiatives as a major conference and performing The Executive Committee has the Goetheanum has begun to imple- arts center (Mystery Dramas, Faust) articulated a response to the recom- ment. From the restaurant to the stage place on-going and significant finan- mendations in the audit that include to the real estate and buildings, to the cial burdens on the Society. It is often areas of concern expressed in the finances, to the archives, library and overlooked that we must care for over audit. Many of these steps have each of the Sections we are underway a dozen major buildings on an exten- already commenced and we wish to to optimize to the extent possible the sive 11-hectare ‘campus’. Much of the implement others over the next limited financial resources and opera- infrastructure needs urgent renewal months. In no specific order of priori- tional procedures of the Goetheanum. and maintenance that is both costly ty they include: and critically necessary. Thus the Cornelius Pietzner financial restriction of ongoing costs 1)Articulation and discussion of a For the Executive Council and stable or decreasing income has leading image for the Society, the led to the necessity to look radically at School of Spiritual Science and the changes. Goetheanum

Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 5 Anthroposophical Society

‘Delight and Joy are Liberating for Life Forces’ Frode Barkved is the New General Secretary of the Norwegian Society

Since April of this year, Frode Barkved has been General eurythmy training and the eurythmy ensemble in Oslo Secretary of the Anthroposophical Society in Norway. He (Anthroposophy Worldwide no. 2, 2003, p. 7). The new gen- succeeds Margrethe Solstad (Anthroposophy Worldwide no. eral secretary has plans to visit all of the country’s anthropo- 1, 2002, p. 8), who has stepped back after seven years of ser- sophical initiatives in the near future. vice in order to give herself more fully to her work with the

If there is a typical element in Frode Anthroposophy Barkved’s life, it is the motif of sudden as a World Movement transition. Already his entry into the But the work of the general secretary world of anthroposophy took place ater is directed not only to the activities in

without much hesitation. On seeing a gen V one’s own country. The worldwide picture of Rudolf Steiner for the first contacts are also part of it, especially time, he said ‘That’s him’. Half a year to the Goetheanum, which for many later he was a student at the Rudolf Photos: Jür anthroposophists in Norway can Steiner Seminar in Järna, Sweden. sometimes seem quite far away. “I cer- “I had barely finished the training tainly don’t see a contradiction in when I received a call from Stavanger, this”, says Barkved. “The totality is a my home town. They wanted to have rhythmic unity, like breathing. The me as a class teacher at the Waldorf work of the general secretary also has school there”, recounts Barkved. “I to breathe in and breathe out.” felt right away that this was the right He is still now impressed by the thing.” It was only a year until he meeting of general secretaries in then took on a leading role on the fac- Budapest (Anthroposophy Worldwide ulty. This too seems to be typical for no. 7, 2004, p. 8). “It was very excit- his life: After it has suddenly taken a ing. Not only because I got to know surprising turn, he takes on a central FRODE BARKVED was born on Sep- so many interesting people but also position in the new setting. He is still tember 17, 1961 in Bergen and grew because it became so clear that there is a class teacher, but also a eurythmist up in Stavanger. He graduated from nothing provincial about our work. and drama teacher at the same school. the eurythmy training at the Rudolf Anthroposophy is a world movement. From 1998 to 2002 he was on the Steiner Seminar in Järna in 1987. And the inestimable significance of board of the Association of Norwe- That same year he became a class the Goetheanum is in its being a meet- gian Waldorf Schools. teacher at the Rudolf Steiner School ing place in this cosmopolitan field. A new direction came about with in Stavanger. 1998 to 2002: council Also at the last world teachers’ con- the question of becoming a member of member of the Association of Nor- ference (Anthroposophy Worldwide the School of Spiritual Science. “Of wegian Waldorf Schools. Class hol- no. 4, 2004, p. 3) it was compelling to course I did not feel at all mature der of the School of Spiritual Science. see how people from every culture enough for such a step”, says Barkved. Since 2002 council member of the and all parts of the world worked “But then I was reading Steiner’s kar- Anthroposophical Society in Nor- together. Then the Goetheanum is felt ma lectures. When I got to the descrip- way, and since April of this year its to be near and precious.” tion of the School of Chartres, it was general secretary. Barkved is married morning, and, in a double sense, it and has two children. Strengthening a Sense became totally light around me. After of Belonging Together that I requested a conversation con- had to be considered with his wife. Following a period at the end of the cerning admission to the School.” Two The two children are four and six ’90’s when one looked mostly inward years later he took on the responsibili- years old, and it was clear from the and found things to never be good ty for the work of the First Class in beginning that Barkved would keep enough, the activity of the Norwegian Stavanger. Since 2002 he has also been his home in Stavanger. Oslo, with its Society today needs to be more clearly a member of the Council of the anthroposophical center ‘Berle’, is far placed into the public domain. “I Anthroposophical Society in Norway. away. The new general secretary will believe that we have to make an effort have to do a lot of traveling. now so that the individual initiatives - Getting to Know the Initiatives In order to create for itself a pic- schools, agricultural operations, cura- The question whether he wanted to ture of where renewal might be called tive homes, individuals, etc. - really become general secretary of the Nor- for, the Norwegian council will soon come together in a concerted move- wegian national Society, however, cer- take up the idea of having the new ment, that we feel a stronger fellow- tainly brought on some mighty heart general secretary, together with a few ship.” To this end an ‘extended coun- palpitations. “In such an instance, one other council members, visit all of the cil’ is to be formed, with representa- has to quietly ponder the answer. anthroposophical institutions in the tives of all of the initiatives. The accent Even though the heart replied right country in the foreseeable future. is to be on that which is common to away and I felt somehow ‘touched’, it “Norway is a long, extended country, all, even though the Society consists of was not an easy decision. This was not and there are many initiatives that I only 950 members. “We should actual- something that had ever occurred to don’t yet know. I would like to meet ly be at least 5,000. Our challenge is to me, at least not in day-consciousness”. all of them - of course only if they be a totally public Society to which It took a month before he came to themselves want this. We don’t want everyone wants to belong who feels a decision, since the question naturally to intrude anywhere.” inspired by anthroposophy.”

6 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 The level of intellectual debate in Norway is traditionally very high. Almost from the beginning, leading anthroposophists were at the same time persons known in public life. This was the case, already in Steiner’s time, for the notable author Ingeborg Möller or for Henrik Ibsen’s son Sig- urd, who was one of the first Norwe- gian defenders of the idea of social His relationship threefolding. to anthropo- Among the well-known personal- sophy is marked ities who represent the anthroposoph- by earnest ical cause in Norwegian public life is work, but also by humor, the journalist and author Peter Nor- spontaneity and mann Waage. “When his first book on creative joy: Islam was being discussed in the Frode Barkved media, the renowned philosopher Trond Berg Eriksen wrote that with of things. “We have begun preparing a question with which many people, Normann Waage even Steiner sounds big exhibit for 2008, a hundred years especially younger people, live today: sensible”, reports Barkved, laughing. after Steiner’s first lecture in Norway. the theme of the human being and Incidentally, the German translation The Society and the School will clearly nature (Anthroposophy Worldwide no. of the book has just come out. come to the fore, together with all of 8, 2004). “We don’t want this to con- the initiatives that have arisen out of cern only our own country, but rather Criticism From Inside anthroposophy. It’s about connecting what is ‘Norwegian’ to wake up and Given the distinguished journalists, the inner aspect of anthroposophy become something cosmopolitan. For either within or in the vicinity of the with the wider public.” this reason the classes take place in Anthroposophical Society, one does English, and we alternate between not have to wait in Norway for criti- What is ‘Norwegian’? partly ‘wild’ nature experiences in the sism to come from outside. Most crit- Nature and light are among the things interior of the country and a more icism here comes from within. Writer that are generally felt to be ‘typically’ study-oriented stay in Dornach. Kaj Skagen represents one of the most Norwegian. But Barkved does not When what is particular to a country recent examples. In a vehement 17- particularly like to speak of ‘typical’ is not connected to what is cos- page article in the publication Steiner- elements because one quickly ends up mopolitan, it appears, in the best sce- skolen, he draws his sword on things enumerating clichés. “The differences nario, as something antiquated, and in becoming stale within the Waldorf within the country itself are quite the worst case as chauvinistic - just school movement. “We should take considerable”, he says. “The markedly simply ‘typical’. We must get from this kind of criticism like a shot of vit- varied nature circumstances come to what is typical to what is universal. amins, as a welcome contribution, in expression in varying dialects and Then things begin to pulsate.” order to learn from it”, says Barkved. social behavior. What’s there to con- In parts of the country that are “It would be catastrophic if we would sider ‘typically Norwegian’”? not yet so strongly urbanized, there isolate or exclude these voices. To the And yet there are developments are still distinct nature forces. It is a contrary: they can guide us onward. that have not turned up in the same component of the Norwegian task to In other issues too we should perhaps way in other countries. Norwegian take hold of these forces and send rather bring out our criticisms from government finance is characterized them as an impulse in an outward within, before others put the item on by the globally almost unique circum- direction. But Barkved prefers in this the agenda.” stance that there is no debt of any regard to speak of Scandinavian rather At the same time one cannot let kind. The presence of oil in the North than Norwegian impulses. “The oneself be incapacitated by criticism, Sea, especially off the coast of northern quality has a mobility to it, a but should ask oneself in all calmness: Barkved’s hometown of Stavanger, has certain freshness in thinking that we What is adequate and what is not? “It’s given rise to enormous prosperity in a can perhaps also bring into the inter- easy to throw out the baby with the relatively short time. “The enormous national anthroposophical work. bath water. Yet there is plenty of proceeds are stashed in some foreign We’re not so burdened by the heavi- applied anthro- accounts some- ness of knowledge. But of course we posophy that has “We should take this kind of criti- where, and the run the danger of having too much of a fruitful and cre- cism like a shot of vitamins, as a people are as this mobility and dissipating. And ative effect in the welcome contribution, in order to though numbed then things aren’t serious anymore.” present.” As an learn from it.” by it. One Barkved’s personal relationship to example of this needs some anthroposophy is marked by earnest Barkved tells of a backbone to work, but also by humor, spontaneity performance of The Magic Flute in the wield such prosperity. And I would and creative joy. “No one wants to Grieg Hall in Bergen, given by the wish that more funds from the busi- assert that anthroposophy is some- local Waldorf school - an artistic bee- ness world would be injected into the thing easy. But I find that working line right into the broader public. Peo- cultural life in order to have an with anthroposophy should also have ple were beside themselves with enlivening effect there. If conscious- a joyful accent and not be taken as a enthusiasm and asked how something ness for this would awaken, some- burdensome duty. We can’t forget that like this is possible at a school. thing positive could come about from it’s often delightful to overcome list- Even though anthroposophically this economic strength. lessness. And besides: Joy is conta- inspired ideas do reach into the Nor- The council of the Norwegian gious. It frees up life forces that can wegian public from time to time, the Society is currently working with oth- become fruitful in the world.” Anthroposophical Society as such ers on the project ‘The School of Jürgen Vater, Järna (Sweden) doesn’t figure in the general discussion Nature’, approaching the existential

Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 7 ANTHROPOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN ESTONIA Anthroposophy in the World Harmonious Composition On Cleaning Devils and Cleaning Angels The Anthroposophical Society First Worldwide Cleaning Conference: October 29-31, 2004 at the Goetheanum in Estonia is 80 Years Old Some 200 participants came from 14 nations and from the most varied fields. Besides On September 23rd the 80th anniver- a panel discussion on creative hygiene, there were also many workshops to deepen the sary of the Estonian Society was cele- many themes broached. Whether the theme was the development of cleaning con- brated in one of the medieval buildings cepts, a phenomenology of cleaning or recognition of elemental beings in the cleaning on the town hall square in Tallinn. process, the conference as a whole was about creating a space anew through cleaning. ‘Material in the wrong place’ - this is tends to the space. I would sum up The month of September 1924 saw the the definition of dirt. So the mandate what for me was the most essential enormous culmination and at the same of cleaning personnel is: moving mate- part of the lecture in my own formu- time the end of Rudolf Steiner’s lectur- rial around. No? Does cleaning mean lation as follows: A space wants not ing activity. The Lectures of Rudolf more than this? What is altogether merely to be freed of filth, but also to Steiner by Hans Schmidt [not available ‘the wrong place’? Why is it that the be created anew as a space for people, in English] reports 73 lectures, address- fecund garden soil, which I enjoyed for something to happen. es and consultations up until the 24th just a moment ago, is now - on my What comes about in the process of the month. This all came to an end living room carpet - suddenly a stub- of cleaning, or does not come about, on September 28th with The Last born challenger? or is destroyed, depends very much on Address - the sudden conclusion of These were the kinds of questions our attitude. We have to understand Rudolf Steiner’s activity, insofar as this that launched the first specialty con- our field, pay attention to our outer consisted of verbal communication. ference in the world on cleaning cul- bearing, and move in a conscious and Far away from this strong activity ture. It paid off that the organizers put healthy way, so that cleaning doesn’t in Dornach, the newly founded Anthro- stakes on brief presentations. With make us ill. An unhealthy inner atti- posophical Society in Estonia was con- each one, things became more and tude toward cleaning can also lead to firmed. At a gathering on June 15 some more gripping. The theme ‘cleaning’ illness - and perhaps not only for us 30 members had decided on the found- gained in breadth and depth without but also for the place in question. Am ing of an Estonian Anthroposophical losing any footing. The varied contri- I cleaning ‘like the devil’ or caring and Society. This day can in a sense thus be butions were lightened and enriched tending ‘like an angel’? Linda Thomas designated as the birthday. This then by little cabaret-inserts all about clean- impressively portrayed how she had to received official recognition by the ing, thereby processing in a witty and first develop a practice of a healthy public authorities on September 24th, intelligent way something that was inner attitude, in accordance with the making this a birthday too. A beautiful sometimes said just a moment ago. motto ‘If you cannot do what you anniversary celebration took place now The only thing in short supply were love, then learn to love what you do’ - on September 25th. the breaks - not because things were too until this became a necessity and in the Anthroposophical work in Estonia long-winded, but because one hardly end transformed into joy. continued uninterrupted throughout found enough time to see the exciting One does not tire of listening to all these years, which was, however, exhibits of the different environmentally Linda Thomas when she tells of her not officially possible during the time conscious developers and manufacturers experiences in pedagogical institutions, of communism. Anthroposophists too of washing and cleaning paraphernalia, and one can be deeply shaken at what had to go to Siberia - this could hardly not to mention to be introduced to the an unbelievably healing effect such an have been otherwise under the circum- products and concepts by all of the com- attitude to this kind of caring mainte- stances of the time - but they were not petent consultants. nance can have on the surroundings. bothered as anthroposophists. One of the high points of the The anniversary celebration was conference was the contribution of A Contribution to Outreach composed harmoniously, encompass- comedian Ursus Wehrli. Inge van der I believe that anyone who experienced ing festive addresses, music, and eury- Ploeg had introduced us to the art of this conference in its manifoldness will thmy, and interspersed with readings tidying up, and now Urs Wehrli to the not soon forget these three days. They of short passages by Rudolf Steiner. tidying up of art. were also an important contribution to Vaige Salum, now among the elders, the wider world: the participants who reported on the history of anthropos- From Cleaning to Caring were barely acquainted with anthroposophy in Estonia, and Margaretha A high point of another kind was the ophy beforehand were visibly surprised Habekost on the eurythmy work. lecture by Linda Thomas. She depict- that ‘spiritualized anthroposophists’ Just a few days before the celebra- ed a kind of taking care of a room strove for a comprehensive approach to tion a book in the Estonian language which does not just deal with material this seemingly so profane field. came out, of which it can be hoped in the wrong place, but which really David Lorentzen, Dornach, Switzerland that it will receive recognition: The Estonian National Epic Kalevipoeg, with an anthroposophically inspired interpretation by author Sirje Purga. And thirdly, what also took place during this time was that the anthroposophical group in Tallinn acquired its own habitat – small and in need of renovation – in Nõmme, a richly forested suburb of Tallin. – As someone who has been connected to the work in Estonia since 1966, I was able to take part in this before after anniversary celebration. The tidied room in Vincent van Gogh’s painting may be self-defeating. Swiss cabaret artiste Oskar Borgman Hansen, Århus, Denmark gave some insights on the theme.

8 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 India time they heard about anthropos- Typically Indian ophy and Rudolf 6th Asian-Pacific Conference and 1st Goetheanum Conference in Hyderabad Steiner. Ulrich Rösch A very spe-

The conference from October 29 to November 2, 2004 in Hyderabad was a co-pro- cial event was the Photos: duction of the Asia-Pacific Conference, which has been taking place since 1996, and founding of the the first Goetheanum Conference in India. The latter was initiated two years ago by Hyderabad Branch Indian farmer Chelladurai Jayakaran. Indian farmers working biodynamically of the Anthropo- have had the wish to be more closely connected to the Goetheanum. For the first sophical Society time members of the executive council of the General Anthroposophical Society were by eight women. Co-organizer present at an anthroposophical event in India: Paul Mackay and Cornelius Pietzner. The Waldorf schools Nirmala Diaz during her in the twin cities presentation The twin cities of Hyderabad and lesson for the members of the School were introduced: Secunderabad lie in the heart of India’s of Spiritual Science. Then followed Sloka, Diksha, Prerana and Abbaya. Deccan plateau. They are a center for eurythmy for all, led by Dilnawaz In the evenings there were cultur- the traditions of the Islamic north and Bana, after which the lectures and dis- al programs. Seven of the participants the Hindu south. The Sloka Waldorf cussion groups took place on the main were eurythmists. Together they pre- School, the first Waldorf school on the theme: Humanity, Civilization, sented the Hallelujah and EVOE. subcontinent of India, has had its Nature and Spirituality. There was also eurythmy in French, home in Hyderabad since 1997. Since Paul Mackay spoke about the Japanese, Sanskrit and Hindi. On the founding of Sloka, further Waldorf practical tasks of the anthroposophical another occasion one of the school and Waldorf-inspired schools have movement and spiritually inspired mothers presented Kuchipudi dance. come into being in these twin cities. banking, Cornelius Pietzner on the This dance style comes from the state Nirmala Diaz, founder of Sloka, connection between spirituality and of Andhra, of which Hyderabad is the and Ulrich Rösch of the Social Science practice, and Ulrich Rösch on three- capital. The next evening there was a Section of the School of Spiritual Sci- folding in the social context, on Bharat-Natyam dance performance. ence at the Goetheanum prepared the Rudolf Steiner and Mahatma Gandi. There are eight classical dance styles conference together. The teachers, co- Aban Bana reported on anthropo- in India – all very old and always con- sophical initia- nected with religion. tives in India - which have in- Important for India creasingly shift- and for Anthroposophy ed their area of After the conference there were still concentration to two days of ‘Waldorf Round Table’ in Hyderabad. Sloka, organized by Nana Göbel of Christian Com- ‘Friends of Rudolf Steiner’s Art of munity priest Education’. This gathering was direct- Anand Mandai- ed first and foremost to people from ker spoke about the Waldorf school movement in Asia. Hinduism and On heard participants’ reports on Christianity (not how the Waldorf schools and teacher an easy task trainings in the different Asian coun- before an audi- tries are doing. Many typical aspects ence of so many of Waldorf pedagogy were spoken religions); New about, such as the fact that the cur- A colorful audience listens to the lecture by Nirmala Diaz Zealand’s gen- riculum has to suit the cultural, lin- workers and parents of Sloka provided eral secretary Hans van Florenstein- guistic and historical conditions. a feat of energetic support, thereby giv- Mulder spoke on astronomy and its Finances were also discussed. ing a particular flair to the whole con- relationship to the human being; the After nine days the conference was ference. The typically Indian reception director of Camphill Bangalore, Fran- over, but many of us could not yet for the delegates from Asia and the cis Aradhya and the initiator of the travel home since at the ‘Friends of Pacific was unique: rangoli pictures on institute for curative education in Pak- Camphill India’ near Bangalore (in the ground, flowers, lights, silk, song istan’s Lahore Shahidaa Hannesen on Karnatake, southern India) there was and dance - and of course food. curative education; Japanese general still a three-day course in curative edu- secretary Yuji Agamatsu on architec- cation and social therapy, organized by Colorful Schedule ture, and biodynamics consultant Penelope Roberts, Halina Rubisz, and The first two days were reserved for Peter Proctor, Rajeev Baruah, manager Dilawaz and Aban Bana. the Asia-Pacific Initiative Group dele- of the biodynamic cotton project in This large conference in Hyder- gates from India, Australia, the Maikal, and Chelladurai Jayakaran on abad was very important for the fur- Goetheanum, Japan, New Zealand, biodynamics in India. Particularly the ther development of anthroposophy in Pakistan, the Phillipines, Taiwan, the last contributions left the audience India and for making India known in U.S and Vietnam. The actual confer- with a deep impression because they the anthroposophical world. One sees ence proper began on October 29th showed how modern spirituality can that everywhere in the world there are with some 200 participants. The dele- work into the transformation of the people who are striving for knowledge, gates were now joined by representa- earth. who represent the consciousness soul tives from Hong Kong, Nepal, Singa- There was of course opportunity and who are seeking a new world view. pore and numerous participants from in the discussion groups to deepen In India this seems to lead over espe- India. They were received by the these lecture themes, to ask questions cially into practical initiatives. And teachers and pupils of Sloka singing and to come into conversation. And spiritual wisdom is there in any case. songs of welcome. there were questions aplenty, since for Aban Bana, Bombay, India Every morning there was a class many participants this was the first Ulrich Rösch, Dornach, Switzerland

Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 9 Brazil parade to close. It was all very uncon- strained and tropically dionysian. Anthroposophy is Alive 30 years of Biodynamic Activity in the State of São Paolo Neutralized Property But also the apollonian element came In the heart of the state of São Paolo in Brazil, some 300 kilometers west of the into its own. Nicholai Fuchs, leader of coast, is the town of Botucatu. At the outskirts of the town a neighborhood has the Agricultural Section at the developed over the past 30 years that is known to the inhabitants as Bairro Goetheanum, held three lectures on Demétria. From October 9th to 12th this was cause for celebration and review. last year’s and this year’s themes of the The starting point was Estância year. Attila Miklos spoke about the Demétria, through which the biody- significance of Demeter nutrition for namic agricultural method was to take human evolution in regard to the hold in Brazil. It became necessary to Christ Being. Christian Community establish a research base and an insti- priest Renato Gomes gave a well- tute was founded for this purpose. In received talk on the theme The order to protect the land from toxins Human Being Between Past and used in the surrounding area, various Future, and Flavio Milanese spoke on settlements arose where a few hun- human development in the biography dred people live today. of each individual - a lecture that This led to a Waldorf school that showed us that the world of ideas can today encompasses 16 classes from be accessible to each one of us today. kindergarten to high school (with The high point of the festivities approximately 30 students per class, was already right at the beginning in of which 48% attend free of charge). Nikolai Fuchs during the lecture the conversation on the neutralization Of course we also have a branch of in the large tent of land ownership. Peter Schmidt the Anthroposophical Society and the to again invite many farmers working shared here a story from his life. most varied scientific and artistic biodynamically, so the costs had to be Already in the 1930’s his mother work groups as well as foundation kept as low as possible. Several hun- developed a biodynamic garden. courses and consulting for biodynam- dred people from the north and south When the Schmidt family, owner of ic agriculture. In addition, there is a of the country registered to come. the furniture factory ‘Giroflex’, decid- blossoming Christian Community ed to buy the land for Estância with a very beautiful church. Many Human Encounters Demétris, Schmidt drew attention to The municipality, with which we the need to deal with protecting it enjoy quite a good standing, made from changes to its intended use: to two large tents available. Other agen- develop biodynamic agriculture in cies of the federal government Brazil. defrayed the costs of the posters and folders. Both large- and small-scale farmers brought along Demeter products, from rice and beans to fruit and vegetables to herbs, teas and coffee. Estância Demétria donated milk and meat. In regard to only the salt, I cannot say if it was also Demeter, but it was certainly real sea salt. Also eco- No holidays without music logically friendly toiletries and bath items were not forgotten…. One can at this point ask: Are The many human meetings were these all anthroposophists who live lovely at this giant ‘ant hill’, through- Children too had their share of fun here? Do they all have membership out which many children also flew like The Schmidt family decided cards for the Anthroposophical Soci- colorful butterflies. Many a mother unanimously to write over the owner- ety or the School of Spiritual Science? stressed that, had she known that this ship to the Tobias Association (an And if one does have the card, is one is how it would be, she would have institution that offers legal protection an anthroposophist? Is all of this, brought her children along. and financial support for other strictly speaking, anthroposophical? The program was may-sided: The anthroposophical endeavors as well). Taken abstractly and theoretically, Waldorf school opened its doors, This is what made possible, materially certainly not. But what does life say there were various tours - partly with speaking, the survival of all those who about this? scenic accents, partly with an agricul- so cheerfully came together – in spite The world of plants and animals tural and botanical accent - also short of all of the crises and mistakes of the without doubt rejoices at their exis- courses on different themes concern- past 30 years. tence. Pages could be written report- ing biodynamic agriculture and land- Looking back now, it can indis- ing this. And people? Yes, once they scaping, astronomy and community. putably be experienced that anthro- are here, they hardly want to leave. Then there were also gatherings of posophy lives - in the whole country. Our children too wish to set up their teachers and farmers to share experi- For people indeed came here very lives here, without all of the dangers ences and get to know each other. For spontaneously from north, south, east of big cities. the ‘Gemüt’ and for soul preparation and west. The 30th anniversary fell at the there was a musical Indian religious Bernardo Thomas Sixel, São Paolo same time as Brazil’s fourth Biody- service with all sorts of percussion (Brazil) namic Agricultural Conference, held instruments, and otherwise also lots of every two years, and the 80th anniver- singing, a theatre performance about Contact: sary of Rudolf Steiner’s Agricultural wheat sprouts and of course also a [email protected] Course. This time we especially wanted peasants dance and even a carnival www.biodinamica.org.br

10 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 USA the two. Indeed, this birth is our call- ing as human beings. In Jesus, the Call to the Human Being Logos entered not merely as image Youth Conference: An Introduction to Rudolf Steiner’s Spiritual Scientific but as the actual power of Love, Research into the Nature of Christianity, October 9-10 at Heartbeet Life- becoming available for all human sharing, in Hardwick, Vermont beings and for the life of nature. Beth Usher spoke about Occult Heartbeet is a 160-acre biodynamic farm providing respite and a permanent resi- Physiology: Blood and the Awakening dence for developmentally disabled individuals, and managed by Hannah Ego. Saturn still exists within us today Schwartz and Jonathan Gilbert. as the warmth of our blood. The circu- In the opening lecture Steve Usher pre- The Rosicrucian path of school- lation of the blood appeared when the sented an overview of Rudolf Steiner’s ing, appropriate for our time, is a fur- warmth ether united with the outer lectures on the Gospel of St. Luke. He ther development of the Christian path warmth of the physical Earth. The ego, began with the observation that it is of schooling. We are able to perform which first entered man when he began difficult to speak of Christianity in our our outer duties and time because civilization has developed activities and let every- enormous prejudices toward it. Earlier thing that we develop materialistic scholarship propounds spiritually flow into the ideas such as there never having been a physical plane. By devel- historical Jesus or alternatively that a oping a high degree of simple man of Nazareth captured the strong and living think- phantasy of the next 2,000 years. More ing on this path, we can recent prejudices see Christianity as the direct this thinking religion of closed minded right-wing toward our perceptions people or as the tradition that created a in the spiritual world. disregard for the environment and a When we are ready to enter the to breathe air, works in the circulating will to dominate the world. It is much spiritual world we meet two guardians. blood by way of the warmth organism. easier to speak to a spiritually minded The Lesser Guardian of the Threshold is In the Fall from Paradise, the human audience about Buddhism than about mostly made up of the results of our being left the life of his nervous system Christianity. own past actions, feelings and behind in the cosmos. The Christ The lecturer presented that a cen- thoughts. After we have recognized in brought this life from the cosmos back tral concept of esoteric Christianity is this being the things from which we to the human being, beginning at the that at the Baptism in the Jordan a need to free ourselves, we meet the Baptism. Life returned, though not to solar being, a being from the Sun Greater Guardian of the Threshold. If the nervous system but to the blood. known as the Christ, united Himself we can inwardly feel that the Greater Embryology shows that on the with the body of Jesus of Nazareth. Guardian is the ideal toward which we nineteenth day the blood begins to For the next three years this solar strive, then we recognize that the move. This is the first quickening by being lived upon the earth as a human Greater Guardian is the Christ. the incarnating ego. The heart forms being. Those three years are rightly later out of the moving blood. Rudolf understood as His embryological peri- New Birth Follows Disillusionment Steiner speaks of blood as the real issue od. At the mystery of Golgotha, when How Can I Find the Christ in and for in the fight of an individual soul Jesus Christ died on the cross, the Myself? was the subject of Sherry between good and evil. Thinking the Christ was born into the earth and Wildfeuer’s talk. She acknowledged wrong thoughts about the heart materi- since then He has been the Spirit of the that the rejection of Christianity so alizes culture as well as the heart. Moral Earth who will remain with human common to spiritually striving young ideals stimulate the warmth organism, beings for the rest of earth evolution. A people today is a healthy reaction to producing in the air organism sources further consideration was that Christ the popular versions distorted by sen- of light. By way of warmth, all that we brought the power of love to the ego timentality, dogmatic morality, or aca- inwardly experience as the moral such that the ego could overflow with demic materialism. She shared her becomes active. By returning through love. Love existed before but only at own path to agnosticism as a young the moral to warmth, we come full cir- the level of the astral body and soul. person, which was intellectually liber- cle to the blood warmth from Saturn. Christ made it possible for love to ating but lacked substance which This is a new way to think of the circu- become a possession of the ego. could provide nourishment and lation of the blood. insight in the face of life’s trials. It was Beth Usher gave a beautiful euryth- Union with the Christ a great relief to meet anthroposophy, my performances of The Zend Avesta Els Woutersen spoke about the Christ insofar as Rudolf Steiner lays a foun- Hymn to the Sun and The Michael Imag- and inner development. The Gospels dation in his philosophical writings by ination, as well as two eurythmy lessons. of St. Luke and St. John were written addressing the question How can I The 47 participants came from as out of different levels of perception know anything for sure? We may ask: far as California, North Carolina and into the supersensible world. Whereas What are the perceptions to which I Canada as well as from the mid-Atlantic the eyewitnesses and ministers or ser- must apply my active thinking in order and New England areas. The foliage vants of the Word wrote the Luke to know the truth of Christ? And around us was beautiful with deep red, Gospel, the John Gospel describes the What thoughts will enable me to per- orange and yellow leaves and the food mysteries of Christ as imbued with ceive Christ in myself? that was prepared with organic produce the inner Word or Logos. The ancient mystery centers from Heartbeet was delicious. The old Christian path of initia- taught that the Father God had sacri- The next conference at Heartbeet tion was based on the Gospel of St. ficed himself into the things of the Lifesharing will be May 28-29, 2005. John whereby after intense prepara- manifest world, that the Mother Contact: Rachel Schwartz, (617) 522 0580, tion one would develop certain feel- dwells in the deep longing of the soul [email protected] ings to a very high degree and experi- to unite with the divine, and that the www.heartbeetlifesharing.org ence the seven different stages of Son of God, or Logos, can be born in Tiemen Woutersen, Baltimore, MD Christian initiation. the human soul through the union of (with major contributions from the speakers)

Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004 11 Feature Spiritual Seeds in Elemental Nature Unexpected Footprints of the Biodynamic Work in Estonia: Alexander von Keyserlingk The beginnings of biodynamic agriculture in Estonia can Silesia into the small country on the Baltic Sea. Still today be followed back to the source of the impulse. Count von this initiative calls forth fruits, although the dimensions of Keyserlingk carried this impulse at the time directly from the biodynamic work in Estonia are modest. - Impressions Rudolf Steiner’s Agricultural Course in what was then of a journey through an archaic landscape.

At the beginning of 2004 when my wife and I were in Estonia, special experiences came our way, both expected and unexpected. After a boat trip on the rough Baltic Sea, we went into Tallinn. chibald Bajorat The occasion for the trip was, to begin with, the opening of my exhibit of aquarelles based on the Estonian epic Drawing: Ar Kalevipoeg. The exhibit in the monu- mental National Library of Estonia’s capital was under the umbrella of Carsten Vilms, the cultural attaché of the German embassy in Tallinn. So much on the expected travel experience. The unexpected part first developed in Estonia itself. Arvo Purga, brother-in-law of the Kalevipoeg researcher Sirje Purga, has been involved in biodynamic agriculture for decades. He accompanied us to one of the far- The old house of Count Alexander von Keyserlingk’s family flung corners in the west of Estonia from 1934 to 1939 on the Puhtu Peninsula in western Estonia across from the island Saaremaa, for- merly Ösel. We had the privilege of staying became known as simply the Agricul- During our drive, rain and the overnight in the station’s guesthouse, tural Course could take place. most unusual cloud formations of the which, incidentally, is also open to oth- After this event, von Keyserlingk strangest kind sent their greetings from er groups who register in advance. worked on farms in Silesia and Estonia. Sweden over the Baltic Sea. It became In the middle of the forest, which But the biodynamic method was not increasingly desolate, and we were sim- over half a century ago was still a well- able, after the initial attempts, to come ply oblivious to the first road sign say- tended park, we discovered, in a light- to realization over such enormous ing ‘Natural Preserve’. Shortly there- filled clearing, the world’s first Schiller areas. As Ines and Dagmar, the count’s after was a second sign: ‘Biological Sta- memorial, commissioned by a Schiller daughters, confirmed, the father of the tion’. An insurmountable wire-grid enthusiast in 1813. We couldn’t help spiritual ‘estate’ that he had received in fence finally made us come to a stop. singing the first lines of the Ode to Joy. Koberwitz, was not able to ‘bring it Proceeding through an unlocked The small crest that extends out to down to the ground’. And yet the spir- entrance door, Arvo Purga made his the tip of the peninsula is surrounded itual seed has not been lost. Eighty way to inquire. Soon thereafter he reap- on both sides by a broad stretch of years after the beginning of the biody- peared and led us to a stand of timber: reeds. In the above-mentioned nature namic impulse, one can feel this most Through the green leaves came the preserve we experienced such elemental deeply. shining red shimmer of the newly tiled nature as is hard to come upon in After the Second World War and roof of a building. northern Europe. No travel guide later the fall of the iron curtain, Gott- described the extensive juniper forests fried Geiger and farmers from Sweden, Schiller Monument in the Forest and rowan trees, considered sacred in with the support of Manfred Klett, We stood in front of the legendary the north. The forests stretched to the were able to begin with the new house of the family of Count Alexan- horizon and lent to the landscape method on countless farmsteads in der von Keyserlingk (1895-1995). something archaic. It is no wonder that Estonia and Latvia. As we heard from Shortly thereafter Mart appeared, a prehistoric gravesites were discovered Arvo Purga in Tallhinn, the farms, young man with a backpack who lives not far from here, including treasures mostly small, do not have it easy. Yet it here with his family on weekends and from the Volga region. is to be hoped that biodynamic farming in the holidays. He is now inspecting and gardening will continue to develop the renovation of the property. From Silesia to Estonia well, also after Estonia joins the Euro- After examining the Keyserlingk The life of Count Keyserlingk is indeed pean Union. house, Mart guides us to the tip of the closely connected to the development Von Keyserlingk had the opportu- peninsula Puhtu, where the biology of biodynamic agriculture. Right after nity after World War II to practice bio- research institute of Tartu University is the Christmas Conference in Dornach dynamics on a much smaller scale in found. Biology students often come here in 1923/1924, he asked when Rudolf Raubling, near Munich. Here he could to study the flora and fauna. For many Steiner could come to Koberwitz in pass on his experience and knowledge years the world-renowned biologist and Silesia to give a course on agriculture. to biodynamic farmers in Chiemgau, researcher Jacob von Uexküll (1864- In response to this question, Rudolf bringing much blessing to their work. 1944), with whom Keyserlingk was on Steiner pulled out his calendar and good neighborly terms from 1934 to promptly agreed to come. Thus at Archibald Bajorat, 1939, worked at the station here. Whitsun 1924 the course that later Oberursel (Germany)

12 Anthroposophy Worldwide 10/2004