Publisher's Foreword

This volume contains material which for many years was circulated in manuscript form among priests and doctors. The audience to whom the lectures were given was restricted to priests and doctors as they really were intended to serve the esoteric needs of these two professions. In this respect it gives insights into how Steiner went about laying the foundations for an esoteric path connected with a particular vocation. It is reasonable to assume that had he lived longer he would have delivered similar courses to other professional groups. Of particular significance is the giving of a mantric verse for the support of the vocational activity (see last lecture), a verse specific to the vocation. The receiving and working with such a verse would presumably be connected with the task and responsibilities an individual would assume when he or she worked out of one of the Sections of the School for Spiritual Science in the realm of a particular vocation.

Needless to say, the material assumes a certain maturity in anthroposophy which at a minimum means a familiarity with the basic books. Anyone attempting this cycle without such a background is advised to do the necessary studies before trying to read this volume.