The History of the Esoteric School 1904–1914, Volume One

GA 264 — Hildesheim

General Rules of Esoteric the School

Rules of the Esoteric School of Theosophy of T.S. at the time of Rudolf Steiner's affiliation.¹

Translated into English by Mathilde Scholl

While the “three purposes” of the Theosophical Society are well known, it also has a fourth purpose that is not publicly discussed, namely, to help develop the inner life of its more serious and dedicated members, to show them the way to the “narrow, old path” and to do so according to their different temperaments, when they decide to embark on a life dedicated to higher purposes. In the long life of each individual, there comes a turning-point when he turns away from the ordinary goals of earthly life: prosperity, fame, power, and seeks to find himself. These goals may continue to interest man, and may even exert a certain attraction for him, but they no longer come first, and in the event of a conflict, they would be sacrificed for the higher purposes. Knowing, loving or serving, that is, entering one of the three paths of knowledge, devotion, and service, has become the imperative necessity of life, to which everything else is subordinated. Man is determined to seek “the kingdom of God and of justice” above all else.

The esoteric school of Theosophy opens its doors to such sincere and earnest seekers and endeavors to adapt its methods to their needs. To this end, it currently offers three particular methods, corresponding to three fundamentally different temperaments, to which others can be added if necessary, as well as a general method that can be followed by anyone who does not want to specialize from the start and that serves as a foundation on which a specific discipline can be built later. There are, then, four ways: the general discipline; the Christian-Gnostic or discipline of devotion; the Pythagorean or intellectual and artistic discipline; the karmic or action discipline. The methods are different, but the goal is always the same - the realization of the God within. This is the true wisdom, the true gnosis; it is direct knowledge of the Eternal through the unveiling of our own eternal nature, and that man is capable of this is the very essence of Theosophy. Through the unity of their aims, all belong to an esoteric school, and the diversity of methods serves the same goal. It is necessary that this unity be maintained if the School is to fulfill its purpose, which is the heart of the Theosophical Society. Therefore, each member is expected, though preferring his own method as that suited to his temperament, to show respect and a brotherly feeling to his fellow workers, in whom the inner God likewise seeks to reveal himself. Only by such broad-minded tolerance can the unity of the School be maintained, while its comprehensive nature adapts it to the ever-increasing expansion of the Theosophical Society.

The esoteric School has two sections. The first is the Order of Examination, or Students. The second is the Order of the Professed, which is divided into degrees. Advancement from one degree to another depends on progress made and is determined by the Corresponding Secretary of the Section, who consults a report from the Sub-Warden (Group Leader) of the candidate.

No pledge is required of the neophyte except the promise to return the papers upon request and to regard them as privately entrusted while in his possession and afterward. Failure to honor this pledge, if known on the physical plane, will result in expulsion, and if not known will nullify any inner progress.

After two years in the probationary order and after proving that they are sufficiently familiar with the theosophical teachings, examinees may be given permission to take a vow. To be eligible for this privilege, he must have shown earnest striving and devotion in study and in practical life, thereby making himself worthy of becoming a probationer member; and he must have a recommendation from his group leader to the corresponding secretary.

The vow may not be taken until the examinee has spent at least two years in the examination order, but he may also remain in this order after taking it, and he must remain in it until he is prepared for the studies of the next degree. Permission to take a vow requires strength of character, as well as a certain level of knowledge and meditation, and vowed members may attend certain meetings of the school from which the non-vowed are excluded.

Admission to a discipline is by way of trial, to enable the candidate to judge whether the method employed suits his temperament. The details of the methods can be found on the following pages, where instructions are given for each of them. These pages are given to the candidates for six months, during which time they can study and decide which path they want to follow from the general and specific methods, readings and meditations. The candidate should devote one month of daily practice to each discipline, and carefully note the effect it has on him mentally, emotionally, and physically. This will fill four months of his candidacy. The fifth and sixth months should be spent reviewing the work of the previous months, to the point of a carefully formulated decision as to which path to choose.

During this time, the disciple is considered to belong to the class of candidates of the Order of Examination. He may attend meetings of any group to which the group leader in question admits him. Information about group meetings can be obtained from the corresponding secretary.

At the end of the six months, the candidate can determine his discipline and report to the corresponding secretary for admission. He is then asked to write by hand and sign the following promise:

I promise not to show any documents of the E.S. to anyone outside the E.S., and to follow the rules of the... discipline into which I am now entering. I further promise to return to the external head of the school or his representative any documents received upon request.

Name...
Address...
Date....
Age....
Religion.....
Caste, church or sect....
Married or single....

The rules of the order form a whole, but the student must follow those that correspond to his discipline in his meditation. He may add rules that suit him, but he must not omit any.

At the end of his two-year probationary period, he may choose a different discipline, but in this case he must start again and work for another twelve months in the newly chosen discipline before he can enter the first degree or take the vows of the school. He also needs a recommendation from the secretary of the discipline he is leaving.

The general guidelines are found in the rules of each examination discipline, with additional details and extensions depending on the progress made. In general, the ancient Hindu and Buddhist method of mastering the body through dietary rules, the emotions through voluntary regulation of them, and the mind through prescribed meditations that lead to the practice of yoga, is followed by the general discipline; the Christian-Gnostic or discipline of devotion leads its disciples to enlightenment through prayers, devotional meditation, introspection, study and occasional fasting; the Pythagorean discipline educates through silence, immersion in meditation, contemplation of the good and the beautiful, study of ideas and of true “mathematics and music”; the karmic or tathandlung discipline requires regulated sacrificial acts and strict selfless work, training of the will to subordination and cooperation and of the body to constant alert readiness for service. They all form a single path with main differences in the details. It goes without saying that the deeper teachings are given only by the individual teacher to the individual student and that the help provided by the school is preparation for the path of examination.

Rules of general and raja yoga discipline

1. The student should get up at a fixed time (according to his health and family circumstances) and, after bathing, should turn to meditation before taking food.

2. Each member of the school should devote at least a quarter of an hour to the meditation given to him; at noon he must say the sentence that he is taught; before going to bed, he must look back on the day and evaluate his own behavior.

3. Each member of the school must study a book from the attached list for at least half an hour each day.

4. Each member of the school must belong to a local group or be connected to it by correspondence, and must participate in the work decided upon by the group. The group is supervised by a Sub-Warden (group leader).

5. The group shall meet at times to be determined by the Sub-Warden, and local members shall attend regularly or, if unavoidably absent, shall give their apologies in writing. The Sub-Warden will maintain an attendance list. Corresponding members must be in communication with a group participant who will keep them informed of matters of interest as well as resolutions that are passed.

6. Each member of the School shall keep a diary of his or her observance of Rules 2 and 3, and shall give a written attestation to the Sub-Warden at the first meeting of the month that he or she has obeyed the Rules, or, if this has not been the case, what omissions he or she has made and for what reason. After three warnings, negligent students will be asked to return their papers and will no longer be considered members of the school.

7. Regarding diet: Wine, all alcoholic drinks in general, and all narcotic or poisonous drugs are strictly forbidden. If this is not observed, there is no progress and the efforts of the teacher and the student are useless. All such substances have a devastating effect on the mind, and especially on the pineal gland.

8. Meat is not forbidden, but if the student can do without it, it is recommended that he refrain from eating it. Abstinence from meat and fish is obligatory from the first degree onwards. Eating meat strengthens the passionate nature and the need to accumulate possessions, and makes the struggle with man's lower nature a more difficult one.

9. The student, called Shrâvaka in this discipline, must prove to his Sub-Warden a fair knowledge of two of the prescribed books of study before he can advance to the first degree.

Business Rules

1. Receipt for all writings must be acknowledged immediately. The word “received” written on a postcard bearing the student's initials will suffice.

2. Students should keep all papers in a sealed box for this purpose only, and ensure that this box is sent to the secretary of their discipline in the event of their death; they must notify their SubWarden of their group of their arrangements in this regard.

3. Those who wish to withdraw from a discipline may have their name removed from the membership list by submitting a written request to the secretary of the discipline, stating the discipline to which they wish to transfer.

4. Those who wish to resign from the order must notify the secretary of the discipline and return all papers.

5. Any change of address must be communicated immediately to the Secretariat of Discipline, and the Sub-Warden of the local group must also be notified.

The Daily Practice of the Shrâvaka

The Shrâvaka should remind himself daily that the most immediate goal of his life is to enter the path of training. To this end, he seeks to gain control over his thoughts and to lead a pure life.

At least three times a day he should call his wandering mind to order and present his ideal to it; these three fixed points should be: morning meditation, midday, and in the evening before going to bed.

Meditation: Sit cross-legged on the floor or on a low stool with the two palms of your hands facing down on your knees. Back straight, not stooped, eyes closed. Say slowly the verse committed to memory the previous evening; meditate on it, try to fathom its meaning and do not let the mind stray to anything else; if it does, bring it back and fix it on the verse. Do this for five minutes. Then turn your thoughts to the highest self as the God outside and within you, and impress upon yourself that you are one with him; say: “Brighter than the sun, purer than the snow, finer than the ether is the self, the spirit in my heart. This self is me. I am this self.” This also takes five minutes. Then turn your thoughts to the perfect human being, the Master, radiant with love and divine beauty; think of him as the embodiment of the monthly virtue. Assuming that this virtue is “compassion,” imagine how it would express itself in your behavior, and conclude with the earnest wish: “May I, through compassion for all beings, prepare to become a disciple of Him who is Himself compassion.” Again, five minutes. If there is an opportunity to meditate for half an hour, the times can also be doubled.

At noon: At noon, gather your thoughts and fix them on the idea that you are neither your body nor your mind, but the spiritual person. Repeat: “Brighter than the sun, etc.”

Before going to bed: Review the events of the day, paying particular attention to your thoughts, your desires, and the effect of your behavior on the well-being of those around you. Memorize the verse for the morning meditation the following day. The Pledge of the Esoteric School of Theosophy

Pledge of the School

I pledge myself to endeavor to make Theosophy a living power in my life, and to support the Theosophical movement before the world.

I pledge myself to maintain a constant struggle against my lower nature, to abstain from untruthful und injurious speech, and to be charitable to the weaknesses of others.

I pledge myself to do all in my power, by study and otherwise, to fit myself to help and teach others.

To all this I pledge my word of honor, invoking my Higher Self.

Name............................................................

English translation based on a handwritten draft by Rudolf Steiner, archive number 3211.

I pledge to endeavor to make Theosophy a living force in my life and to strengthen the Theosophical movement in the world.

I pledge to maintain constant strictness against my lower nature, to keep away from untruthful and unrighteous speech, and to lovingly deal with the weaknesses of others.

I pledge to do everything in my power, through study and in other ways, to advance myself and teach others.

I give my word of honor, invoking my higher self.

First rules given by Rudolf Steiner in 1904

Enclosure to the letter to Amalie Wagner dated August 2, 1904. The original manuscript is not available.

Confidential E.S.T.

Order of Shrâvakas

Meditation on behalf of the head of the school

I. Rules

1. Meditation should be done every morning, preferably before a meal.

The type of meditation is determined by the Arch-Warden.

1. In the evening, before retiring, a sentence given by the Arch-Warden is to be repeated in thought and then a brief review of the experiences of the “day is to be cast.

2. A quarter of an hour is to be devoted daily to the study of a book chosen by the school management.

3. Every 14 days, a brief note should be sent to the Arch-Warden indicating whether the daily exercises have been performed or, if not, for what reason they have been omitted.

4. The Shrâvaka should keep a notebook in which he should record every day whether he has done the exercises.

5. The consumption of all types of alcoholic beverages is forbidden to the Shrâvakas, as such have a harmful effect on the brain and particularly on the organ that leads to spiritual knowledge. Without observing this rule, all efforts of both the teacher and the Shrâvaka are in vain. An exception can only be made if the doctor prescribes alcoholic beverages.

6. Abstinence from meat is not required, but it is pointed out that abstinence facilitates the fight against the lower human nature. Any changes to the diet must be made with the utmost caution.

II. Business rules

1. Receipt of received papers, etc. indicate

2. Keep in locked box etc.

3. Return upon leaving

4. Report change of address.

III. Pledge

(To be copied and sent to the Arch Warden with full name and address)

I give my word of honor that I have carefully read the rules of the order and that I will endeavor to follow them closely. I also promise that I will not show any of the papers or books that are given to me with the designation: “Confidential, issued by the head of the E.S.T.” to anyone who does not belong to the school.

Furthermore, I promise that I will return all papers to the school administration upon request.

Age: Name:
Religion: Address:

Handwritten enclosure to the letter to Michael Bauer dated August 14, 1904. The cover page reads:

Confidential. On behalf of the head of the school E.S.T. (Esoteric Theosophical School).

Rules of the Shrâvaka Order

1. Each member shall practise meditation at a specific hour in the morning (as is compatible with their health and duties), and before taking any food.

2. Each member shall practice a quarter of an hour of meditation before going to bed in the following way: a) they shall raise their thoughts to the higher self by silently visualizing a very specific sentence. b) they shall look back on the experiences and actions of the day.

3. Each member should spend half an hour of the day studying a serious book chosen for him by the school.

4. Each member should create a notebook in which he or she – very briefly – records each day whether he or she has meditated and, if he or she has not meditated, for what reasons. The head of the respective department is to be informed every two weeks about the success of the meditation. After three warnings, negligent members will be asked to leave the order and to return their papers.

5. Members should refrain from drinking any alcoholic beverages, except when prescribed by a doctor. Such drinks have a detrimental effect on the brain and especially on those organs that serve the development of spiritual life.

The consumption of meat is not prohibited, but it is pointed out that it is better not to eat meat because it makes the fight against the lower nature easier.

Template for the probably first hectograph-printed rules. 1904. According to two handwritten sheets with a cover sheet, archive number 3023-25. The cover sheet bears the inscription:

Confidential. In the name of the head of the school. Shrävaka-Orden der E.S.T. Rules. Presented by Dr. Rudolf Steiner, Arch-Warden of the E.S.T. for Germany, Austria and the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

1. Each disciple should get up at a time set by himself that is compatible with his health and family commitments and, after washing, should perform a meditation before consuming any food.

2. The student should devote as much time as he can to this meditation in order to perform it intensely and undisturbed. (Average time about 15 minutes).

3. The student should spend a few minutes reviewing the day before falling asleep.

4. The student should devote himself to reading when prescribed to do so by the school.

5. The student should keep a notebook in which he records daily how he feels about complying with rules 1, 2, and 3.

6. The pupil should join together with other members of the school to form a group, if the head of the school prescribes it.2Regional groups, led by a so-called “Sub-Warden”, also existed under Rudolf Steiner. For example, in Nuremberg under Michael Bauer (see Rudolf Steiner's letter to him dated August 4, 1907), and in Stuttgart under Adolf Arenson, who, according to his certificate from Rudolf Steiner, was appointed in 1906 and also held meetings.

7. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly forbidden because, according to occult experience, such consumption destroys the spiritual organs and makes all efforts of the pupils and leaders impossible. An exception could only be made on medical prescription.

8. Meat is not excluded, but the abstaining pupil will experience that his fight against his lower principles is made easier.

First circular letter, sent by mimeograph on June 5, 1905²

On seven undated handwritten sheets (archive no. 4407-13). The cover page reads:

Confidential. First Rules of the Esoteric School of T.S. On behalf of the Head of the School.

The Esoteric School of Theosophy

While the “three goals” of the Theosophical Society are well known, it has yet another goal that is not publicly discussed, namely, to help develop the inner life of the more serious and dedicated of its members, to show them the way to the “narrow, old path” that leads them to the higher realms of existence.

Through this goal, the esoteric school is the heart of the Theosophical Society.

The school is divided into degrees. The first degree consists of the order of examination; the next is the first degree, the next the second, and so on.

The newcomer enters the order of examination. He has no vows to take, only the promise to return his papers when asked and to regard them as a thing spoken of only among members of the School.

For those who enter the School, a description of the further organization of the School will be given in the course of the next three weeks.

But first we will speak of the immediate tasks by which the one on the path of examination reaches his goals. These instructions apply initially to the first two months. After that, further instructions will be given. One has to remain on the path of examination for at least twelve months. Then the first degree can be attained.

One achieves the goals of the examination path initially by observing a “daily rule”. It consists of the following:

The follower of the school should get up at a certain hour and, before having a meal, engage in meditation. The hour for this is not determined by the school. Each person should set it for themselves, but then strictly adhere to it. Only by organizing his life in a regular (rhythmic) fashion can man integrate himself into the rhythmic universe and in this way emulate the divine laws of this universe himself. In this emulation of the great laws of the universe lies the possibility of attaining a higher existence.

1. The morning meditation begins with the seeker of truth seeking perfect concentration within himself, so that during the time set aside for this concentration he hears, sees and so on nothing outside, and also remembers nothing belonging to ordinary life. First, in such inner silence, he should turn his thoughts to the Divine in the universe. And then he should realize that his own self is one with this universe. To this end, he should say the following words to himself in perfect concentration. These words should not just speak to the mind, but to the whole person; they should be a complete inner experience:

Brighter than the sun
purer than the driven snow,
more subtle than the ether
is the Self
the Spirit in my heart
That Self am I
I am that Self.³

1. After you have finished, concentrate on one of the sentences from “Light on the Path” for the first 14 days on

“Before the eye can see, it must wean itself of tears”,

the following 14 days on:

“Before the ear is able to hear, its sensitivity must fade,”

another 14 days on:

“Before the voice can speak before the masters, it must unlearn its wound,”

another 14 days on:

"Before it can stand before them, the soul must water its feet with the blood of its heart.

The point is not to speculate about these sentences, but to live with them inwardly for a few minutes, to immerse oneself lovingly in them.

1. After this has also been completed, everyone should turn their thoughts to what the divine is for them. They should surrender to this divine in full devotion. This third part should be a kind of devotion to what one recognizes as one's God.

The entire meditation should take about 15 minutes. It is important to see that you are completely awake during meditation, not falling into a twilight state of consciousness.

1. In the evening, before falling asleep, take a look back at the experiences of the day for 3-4 minutes. You ask yourself how you have experienced things and whether you have gained enough from them; and regarding what you have done, you ask yourself whether you could not have done better. In this way, you become your own objective judge. One should not develop remorse. This is worthless for one's own personality and for the world. But we should learn from our past every day for our future, and thus make life a lesson. All evolution consists of this. The review should be done in such a way that one begins with the last experiences in the evening and progresses towards the morning (retrogressively).

2. You should keep a notebook in which you write a few words every day about how the morning and evening meditation went and from which you can inform the head of the school about your progress when requested.

3. Drinking alcoholic beverages is incompatible with the tasks of meditation.

4. Abstinence from meat dishes is not required, but is recommended because it furthers the attainment of the goals of the esoteric school.

More in the next three weeks.⁴

Second circular letter to all esoteric students Based on a handwritten template

Berlin, October 17, 1906

Confidential!

To all those who have approached me seeking esoteric training, I convey my best wishes “in spirit and in truth” with the following information.⁵

This communication contains things that everyone who strives for esoteric development should make it their duty to observe. They do not belong to the actual meditation, but should be cultivated outside of it. The matter is to be understood in such a way that esoteric training is only justified if these demands are made of the student at the same time. Success can only be achieved in this case.

At the same time, it should be noted that patience is necessary for esoteric training. Let no one believe that his success will be greater if he longs for or demands new instructions. Everyone should stick energetically to the instructions given to him; repeat them over and over again until he receives new ones. No one who really needs something will be left unconsidered at the right time. Whether this patience is exercised depends on it.

The disciple should report to me immediately anything unusual he notices or thinks he notices in his mental and physical condition as a result of the exercises. He should also report anything else he needs advice or psychological support on.

Further necessary messages will follow in due course. If everything is properly observed, the masters of truth will guide the student's path.

In this sense,

Dr. Rudolf Steiner

Berlin, Motzstrasse 17

Supplement

The following transcripts are apparently drafts of a writing about the Esoteric School, which, however, was not realized.

Undated manuscript, archive number 3220

1. The School says: Pointing out that man does not find himself in sense perception.
2. The School speaks of the world of knowledge as one that a spiritual messenger imparts.
3. The School speaks of spirit-created words.
4. The school shows how man must overcome the enemies of knowledge within himself.

Undated manuscript, archive number 3196/97.

Outside the school gate: Teacher: What do you want from me? Pupil: I want to test everything and keep the best.

Teacher: Then you have no business in this school, because you already know what the standard is for the best.

In preschool

I

Teacher: What do you want from me? Pupil: I strive for the truth.

Teacher: Then let the truth test you; it will keep the best of you.

II

Teacher: What have you learned?

Student: I have learned to let the truth judge me.

Teacher: Then you know what humility is: practice it until it is completely your own.

Question:

You strive for self-knowledge? Will your so-called self mean more to the world tomorrow than it does today, once you have recognized it?

1st answer:

No: if tomorrow you are nothing but what you are today, and your knowledge of tomorrow is only a repetition of your being today.

1. Answer

Yes: if tomorrow you are a different you than today and your new existence tomorrow is the effect of your realization today.

Theosophy is the realization of the divine self in man; but many believe themselves to be Theosophists when they see their own little self as divine. In many cases, self-knowledge is nothing more than selfish self-reflection.

Some Theosophists believe they recognize the divine self in themselves; but they merely confuse their small human self with the divine.

You only want to find the master in yourself, not in another; how deeply you are entangled in your separate existence! Don't you know that the guide is your self!?

They say that the masters can be found everywhere; this is certainly true, but if you are nowhere, you cannot find them in “everywhere”.

On the Hierarchy of the Adepts

Undated manuscript, archive number 3207/08.

Since the root race of the Hierarchy of Adepts descended to Earth and the Sons of the Fire Nebula came down as teachers of humanity, the world has never been without teachers, and there has never been a missing link in the sacred chain that begins with the nameless One who is the great initiator and ends with the lowest disciples, who have pledged themselves to the service of the Great Lodge in one of the prescribed ways. The final division of the Hierarchy, beginning with the first, the great Initiates, is formed from the ranks of the disciples of the Sacred Science. And these are recognized as disciples when they enter the school and are admitted to the path of examination. Then they are given the first instructions to help them take the first steps.

Today you enter such a school as a committed member; the gate of the path of testing hovers over you and closes; we greet you within it in the name of the Masters, who have granted the means to enter the temple where true initiation is given, and to whom you shall turn your heart and mind each day. For your entrance would be of no use if it were not itself the first step on the path of testing. And what is the use of entering a path that one does not go to the end of? There is no difficulty that you do not create for yourself; there is no obstacle that the God in you could not overcome.

Listen to what our master says:

“A clear life, an open mind, a pure heart, a sincere mind, an unfolding spiritual conception, brotherly affection for every fellow disciple, willingness to give and receive advice and instruction, a loyal sense of duty to the teacher, willing submission to the demands of truth, trust in the teacher and faith that he is in possession of the truth; brave endurance of personal inconvenience, valiant declaration of the principles, a wholehearted defense of those who are unjustly attacked, and a steadfast eye single to the ideals of human progress and perfection as portrayed by sacred science: these are the golden stars by which the way is marked out which the student must tread to the Temple of Wisdom.”

Conversation between Master and disciple

Record from a notebook from 1906, archive number 488⁶

The disciple said to the Master:
What is the way to life in the realms
of the supersensible, where the spirits create
and the souls recognize? The master said:
If you are able to be for a while where
none of the dependent beings touch you, then
you stand in the creation of the spirits, if you
are able to be for a while where none of the
perceiving senses speak to you, then you recognize
through the power of the soul. The disciple said to the Master:
Where is the place to which I am thus directed? The Master said:
The place is in the I; but you will find it
only when your I leaves you, when
silent your volition and extinguished
your senses; and speak the “I will”
and alive the “I think”. The disciple said to the master:
How can I speak, “I will,” when
my volition is silent; how can I my thinking? The Master spoke:
Only the volition that you do not want reveals
“I”; only the thought that you do not think
announces the ‘spirit’.

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