COMMUNITY LIFE INNER DEVELOPMENT SEXUALITY
and the
SPIRITUAL TEACHER

This collection of lectures contains Steiner's strongest statements on
the issues of human relationships in a spiritual community such as the
Anthroposophical Society. Occasioned by an unfortunate "scandal"
involving people influenced by psychoanalysis, these lectures present
Steiner's comprehensive assessment of Freud's work and of
psychoanalysis as a whole. As Steiner shows, our physical life, including
human sexuality, has spiritual roots; looking to sexuality for the
explanation of human behavior is therefore looking in the wrong direction.

In emphatic, forceful language, Steiner makes clear that becoming
part of a spiritual community entails responsibilities, indeed, a nevw
way of being. Above all, members must become actively interested
and engaged in the concerns of the group, rather than simply wanting
to benefit from it. It is essential for members to realize that a spiritual
community is not just a club of like-minded people, but a living entity
a being that needs the care and respect of its creators. Throughout
these lectures the attentive reader will gain much insight into the
nature of the spiritual life and the role of the teacher in that life. This
book will be of interest to anyone involved in a spiritual practice or a
spiritual community.

RUDOLF STEINER (1861-1925), philosopher, scholar, scientist, and educa
tor, was the founder of Anthroposophy, a modern spiritual path or science
Out of his spiritual researches, he was able to provide indications for the
renewal of many human activities, including education (the Waldorf
Schools), agriculture (Biodynamics), medicine (Anthroposophical Medicine),
special education (the Camphill Movement), economics, philosophy
and religion. In 1924, he founded the General Anthroposophical Society
which today has branches throughout the world.