Record: mixed sources The volume draws on more than one kind of record; its own notes say which a text is. Evidence: «Briefe, Rundbriefe, Dokumente und Vorträge … Nachschriften und Notizen von Vorträgen und Ansprachen» (Letters, circulars, documents and lectures … transcripts and notes of lectures and addresses)
The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume One
GA 264 — 14 April 1904, Zurich
To Doris and Franz Paulus in Stuttgart
Zurich, April 14, 1904
Dearest Mrs. and Dr. Paulus!
Before the 16th approaches, I would like to write you a few lines about the next days of meditation. So I ask you to fill in the part indicated in my remarks with the “Voice of Silence” in such a way that during the first fortnight the first two sentences of the writing are in the field of vision of consciousness. I mean (omitting the very first sentence) the following:
"He who wants to understand the voice of the spirit apart from itself must first experience the nature of his own spirit. When the seeker no longer wants to hear the world of the senses alone, he must seek out that which produces this world; he must live in thoughts that make the world of the senses into an illusory world.
It is not a matter of speculating about these sentences, but of spending a few minutes living with them. To do this, one must have previously appropriated their content in such a way that one can survey it with a spiritual gaze, place it spiritually before oneself, and let it take effect without over-analysing it. Only by letting the thoughts to be meditated flow over you in complete calm will meditation bear fruit.
Should anything be unclear or amiss, I request that you ask me about it, and I will answer immediately. From Lugano, I will write to you about the promised interpretation of the Seven Voices, which cannot be done for another fortnight.1
I will also write to you immediately upon my arrival regarding the Bresch remarks.2
Today I just want to tell you both that I am deeply gratified by your interest in Theosophy. When one is aware of the worldwide reputation of Theosophy, one comes to appreciate the interest of deeper natures. I will have much to write about in the next few days regarding the messages from Dr. [Marie] von Martens. In Munich, every hour was filled, and here in Zurich, too, the Theosophists from here and the surrounding area have gathered. But the train is leaving soon.
So for the time being, warm greetings to you both and Arenson's
from your
Rudolf Steiner
Temporary Address:
Dr. Rudolf Steiner
at Mr. Günther Wagner's
Lugano Castagnola (Switzerland)