Esoteric Youth Circle - Revision history

3rdWorldkid: Edited first sentence to conform with current German version

2025-11-30T20:26:16Z

Edited first sentence to conform with current German version

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:26, 30 November 2025
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	The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is ~~an autonomous and independent~~ meditation community ~~which was founded in 1922~~ with ~~the participation of~~ [[Rudolf Steiner]]. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner.(CW 266/3) All other existing documents of its history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].		The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is a meditation community that emerged as a result of intensive discussions with [[Rudolf Steiner]] during the Stuttgart Youth Course in 1922. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner.(CW 266/3) All other existing documents of its history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].

	== Meditation communities ==		== Meditation communities ==

3rdWorldkid: Corrected ambiguous wording, making it clear that Rudolf Steiner intended that the Circle continue.

2022-10-08T16:58:02Z

Corrected ambiguous wording, making it clear that Rudolf Steiner intended that the Circle continue.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 8 October 2022
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	One is perfectly justified in asking by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24, where Rudolf Steiner called for the integration of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society into the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. The answer is somewhat complex.		One is perfectly justified in asking by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24, where Rudolf Steiner called for the integration of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society into the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. The answer is somewhat complex.

	On the one hand, the circle was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but independent in the same sense as the [[Christian Community]]. ~~The reports~~ show that Rudolf Steiner was asked by the circle members during the Christmas meeting whether he had anything to say to them in this sense. In response, he gave the Second Esoteric Lesson at 8 a.m. on 30 December 1923. According to its content and form, it ~~can recognised~~ as the first Class lesson of the School of Spiritual Science. The report states:		On the one hand, the circle was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but independent in the same sense as the [[Christian Community]]. Reports show that Rudolf Steiner was asked by the circle members during the Christmas meeting whether he had anything to say to them in this sense. In response, he gave the Second Esoteric Lesson at 8 a.m. on 30 December 1923. According to its content and form, it could be seen as the first Class lesson of the School of Spiritual Science. The report states:

	{{Quote\|Under the impression of the new esoteric form of the Anthroposophical Society through the Christmas Conference, we went to Dr. Steiner with the question of whether he had in this time something to say to us that concerned our work specifically. He said he did, and after a few days, told us the place and time of the meeting. This time we gathered in a mood that attempted to correspond to the responsibility of the moment that was approaching.		{{Quote\|Under the impression of the new esoteric form of the Anthroposophical Society through the Christmas Conference, we went to Dr Steiner with the question of whether he had at this time, something to say to us that concerned our work specifically. He said he did, and after a few days, told us the place and time of the meeting. This time we gathered in a mood that attempted to correspond to the responsibility of the moment that was approaching.
	We gathered in the middle room of the Glass House. We sat on benches that were arranged in a half-circle, so that no one sat behind anyone else. Before us stood a table. Dr. Steiner sat at the long side of the table, and Marie Steiner and Ita Wegman sat at either end. Rudolf Steiner was in front of the arch of the east wall of the room.		We gathered in the middle room of the Glass House. We sat on benches that were arranged in a half-circle so that no one sat behind anyone else. Before us stood a table. Dr. Steiner sat at the long side of the table, and Marie Steiner and Ita Wegman sat at either end. Rudolf Steiner was in front of the arch of the east wall of the room.
	Dr. Steiner entered the room in accompaniment of the two guests. He greeted us with a special ceremonial solemnity. He then explained that the two ladies would be present as guests: “Marie Steiner, because she is present for everything; Dr. Wegman, because there are also other groups of the same kind as yours that nurture the inner life. These must now be integrated into the general esoteric life, naturally according to strict esoteric laws. For this, there must be a person who connects all of this. That is the reason Dr. Wegman is here.” He described the two ladies as ‘auditors’.CW 266c)}}		Dr. Steiner entered the room in accompaniment of the two guests. He greeted us with special ceremonial solemnity. He then explained that the two ladies would be present as guests: “Marie Steiner, because she is present for everything; Dr. Wegman, because there are also other groups of the same kind as yours that nurture the inner life. These must now be integrated into the general esoteric life, naturally according to strict esoteric laws. For this, there must be a person who connects all of this. That is the reason Dr. Wegman is here.” He described the two ladies as ‘auditors’.CW 266c)}}

	~~Then he proceeded to deliver what, in form and content, may be called the first Class lesson of the School for Spiritual Science.~~ Among the other ~~mantra~~ that make up this lesson, he also spoke the three so-called "Tablets" of the First Class and asked the participants to write them down. This he later did not allow the Class members to do. Thus, even if this was not so clear to ~~most~~ circle members in the years that followed, Rudolf Steiner formally and in front of two witnesses, ~~incorporated~~ the Circle ~~into~~ the School for Spiritual Science. It is how the Circle members present at the time understood it.		Among the other mantras that make up this lesson, he also spoke the three so-called "Tablets" of the First Class and asked the participants to write them down. This he later did not allow the Class members to do. Thus, even if this was often not clear to many circle members in the years that followed, Rudolf Steiner formally and in front of two witnesses, integrated the Circle as part of the School for Spiritual Science. That is how the Circle members present at the time understood it. Rudolf Steiner never intended that the Circle should stop its work and be dissolved, as he confirmed to Maria Röschl when she asked him about it.

	After the death of Rudolf Steiner, it would in any case have been impossible to dissolve or otherwise reorganise the Circle. Its organisation provides no forum in which a discussion ~~of this nature~~ could take place. It is completely decentralised and has never had a structure that could establish a general consensus or take a decision that is binding on everyone. It grows by word of mouth, mostly ~~during a~~ conversation between two people. ~~People~~ are received in small local groups and news of the person’s reception is communicated verbally to local friends. ~~This means~~ that the Circle will continue to exist as long as there are people that find its task meaningful, are prepared to carry through the meditations and wish to pass this on to others.		After the death of Rudolf Steiner, it would in any case have been impossible to dissolve or otherwise reorganise the Circle. Its organisation provides no forum in which such a discussion could take place. It is completely decentralised and has never had a structure that could establish a general consensus or take a decision that is binding on everyone. It grows by word of mouth, mostly in conversation between two people. New members are received in small local groups and news of the person’s reception is communicated verbally to local friends. It follows that the Circle will continue to exist as long as there are people that find its task meaningful, are prepared to carry through the meditations and wish to pass this on to others.

			Besides the circle members, there have always been people who were aware of the existence and nature of the youth circle. Many participants in the Pedagogical Youth Course in 1922 knew about or were present at the preparatory talks, but did not join after it was founded. By no means do all those who learn about the circle in the sense of the question and answer outlined above, decide to join afterwards. The letter from Ernst Lehrs quoted below shows that the Executive Committee was informed about the Circle in 1961. Over the years, there have often been situations in different countries, where a Circle member, on his or her own initiative or in response to a question, gave an oral account of the Circle, individually or to a group.

	Besides the circle members, there have always been people who were aware of the existence and nature of the youth circle. Many participants in the Pedagogical Youth Course in 1922 knew about or were present at the preparatory talks, but did not join after it was founded. By no means do all those who learn about the circle in the sense of the question and answer outlined above, decide to join afterwards. The letter from Ernst Lehrs quoted below shows that the Executive Committee was informed about the Circle in 1961. Although he does not report how this conversation came about, over the years there have often been situations in many countries, where a Circle member, on his or her own initiative or in response to a question, gave an oral account of the Circle, individually or in a group.
	No member of the Youth Circle is obliged to keep the Circle secret, but also not to talk about it. Only the membership of others is not spoken about without first obtaining permission from the person concerned, out of consideration for their privacy.		No member of the Youth Circle is obliged to keep the Circle secret, but also not to talk about it. Only the membership of others is not spoken about without first obtaining permission from the person concerned, out of consideration for their privacy.

3rdWorldkid: language corrections

2022-10-08T16:52:40Z

language corrections

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:52, 8 October 2022
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	== The continued existence of the Circle after the Christmas Conference ==		== The continued existence of the Circle after the Christmas Conference ==

	~~There~~ is ~~every justification~~ in asking by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24, where Rudolf Steiner called for the integration of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society ~~within~~ the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. ~~There~~ is ~~no simple answer to this~~.		One is perfectly justified in asking by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24, where Rudolf Steiner called for the integration of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society into the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. The answer is somewhat complex.

	On the one hand, the circle was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but independent in the same sense as the [[Christian Community]]. The reports show that Rudolf Steiner was asked by the circle members during the Christmas meeting whether he had anything to say to them in this sense. In response, he gave the Second Esoteric Lesson at 8 a.m. on 30 December 1923. According to its content and form, it can recognised as the first Class lesson of the School of Spiritual Science. The report states:		On the one hand, the circle was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but independent in the same sense as the [[Christian Community]]. The reports show that Rudolf Steiner was asked by the circle members during the Christmas meeting whether he had anything to say to them in this sense. In response, he gave the Second Esoteric Lesson at 8 a.m. on 30 December 1923. According to its content and form, it can recognised as the first Class lesson of the School of Spiritual Science. The report states:

3rdWorldkid: Entered a revised account of the continued existence of the Circle, as it represents the understanding we have at present of the event of the Second Esoteric Lesson

2022-05-31T14:43:21Z

Entered a revised account of the continued existence of the Circle, as it represents the understanding we have at present of the event of the Second Esoteric Lesson

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:43, 31 May 2022
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	== The continued existence of the Circle after the Christmas Conference ==		== The continued existence of the Circle after the Christmas Conference ==

	It is ~~quite justified to ask~~ by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24 where Rudolf Steiner called for the ~~dissolution~~ of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society ~~and their inclusion~~ within the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. There is no simple~~, straightforward~~ answer to this.		There is every justification in asking by what right the Circle continued to work and exist after the Christmas Conference of 1923/24, where Rudolf Steiner called for the integration of all remaining esoteric groups within the old Anthroposophical Society within the newly-formed School for Spiritual Science. There is no simple answer to this.

	On the one hand, the ~~Circle~~ was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but an independent ~~entity~~ in ~~a similar~~ sense to the Christian Community. ~~From~~ the ~~texts relating to its founding, we learn that~~ during the Christmas ~~Conference the Circle members present there asked Rudolf Steiner if~~ he had ~~something~~ to ~~tell~~ them ~~regarding~~ the ~~new situation~~. ~~This is what led to the second of the two esoteric lessons held~~ on ~~the 30th~~ December 1923 ~~in which~~, ~~however, Rudolf Steiner did not raise~~ the ~~question at all~~.**		On the one hand, the circle was never part of the Anthroposophical Society, but independent in the same sense as the [[Christian Community]]. The reports show that Rudolf Steiner was asked by the circle members during the Christmas meeting whether he had anything to say to them in this sense. In response, he gave the Second Esoteric Lesson at 8 a.m. on 30 December 1923. According to its content and form, it can recognised as the first Class lesson of the School of Spiritual Science. The report states:

	~~After~~ the ~~death~~ of ~~Rudolf~~ Steiner, the ~~possibility~~ of ~~dissolving the Circle~~ had in ~~any case passed by~~, ~~as its organisation provides no forum in which~~ a ~~discussion~~ of ~~this nature could take place~~. ~~The Circle is completely decentralised and never had~~ a ~~structure~~ that ~~could have established consensus or taken a decision~~ that was ~~binding~~ on ~~everyone~~. ~~It grows by word~~ of ~~mouth~~, ~~mostly~~ in ~~conversation between two people~~. ~~People are received~~ in ~~small local groups and news~~ of the ~~person’s reception is communicated verbally to local friends~~. ~~This means~~ that the ~~Circle will continue to exist as long~~ as there are ~~people~~ that ~~find such a task meaningful~~, ~~are prepared~~ to ~~carry through~~ the ~~meditations and wish to pass this on to others~~.		{{Quote\|Under the impression of the new esoteric form of the Anthroposophical Society through the Christmas Conference, we went to Dr. Steiner with the question of whether he had in this time something to say to us that concerned our work specifically. He said he did, and after a few days, told us the place and time of the meeting. This time we gathered in a mood that attempted to correspond to the responsibility of the moment that was approaching.
			We gathered in the middle room of the Glass House. We sat on benches that were arranged in a half-circle, so that no one sat behind anyone else. Before us stood a table. Dr. Steiner sat at the long side of the table, and Marie Steiner and Ita Wegman sat at either end. Rudolf Steiner was in front of the arch of the east wall of the room.
			Dr. Steiner entered the room in accompaniment of the two guests. He greeted us with a special ceremonial solemnity. He then explained that the two ladies would be present as guests: “Marie Steiner, because she is present for everything; Dr. Wegman, because there are also other groups of the same kind as yours that nurture the inner life. These must now be integrated into the general esoteric life, naturally according to strict esoteric laws. For this, there must be a person who connects all of this. That is the reason Dr. Wegman is here.” He described the two ladies as ‘auditors’.CW 266c)}}

	~~Besides~~ the ~~members~~ of the ~~Circle~~, ~~there have always been a number~~ of ~~people that were informed of its nature~~ and ~~existence. Some of~~ the ~~original~~ participants at the ~~Conference in October 1922 when it was founded had been part of the discussions leading up~~ to it, ~~or knew of them, but decided~~ not to ~~join. Nor does everyone who learns of its existence~~ in the ~~manner described above~~ in ~~fact decide to join. From the letter~~ of ~~Ernst Lehrs that follows~~, ~~we learn that~~ the ~~Executive of~~ the ~~Anthroposophical Society of 1961 was fully informed by Circle members about it~~. ~~Although he does not state~~ how ~~this decision came about, there have indeed been many situations in countries all over~~ the ~~world in which a~~ Circle ~~member, based on his or her personal judgement, informed someone or answered questions in a meeting as he/she felt~~ it ~~appropriate~~.		Then he proceeded to deliver what, in form and content, may be called the first Class lesson of the School for Spiritual Science. Among the other mantra that make up this lesson, he also spoke the three so-called "Tablets" of the First Class and asked the participants to write them down. This he later did not allow the Class members to do. Thus, even if this was not so clear to most circle members in the years that followed, Rudolf Steiner formally and in front of two witnesses, incorporated the Circle into the School for Spiritual Science. It is how the Circle members present at the time understood it.

	~~No one~~ in the Circle is ~~bound~~ by ~~secrecy~~, ~~nor~~ are ~~they bound~~ to ~~speak~~ about it. ~~However~~, ~~any information~~ about the ~~membership~~ of ~~another person is usually~~, in ~~consideration~~ of ~~their right~~ to ~~personal privacy~~, ~~only passed on by~~ permission of the person concerned.		After the death of Rudolf Steiner, it would in any case have been impossible to dissolve or otherwise reorganise the Circle. Its organisation provides no forum in which a discussion of this nature could take place. It is completely decentralised and has never had a structure that could establish a general consensus or take a decision that is binding on everyone. It grows by word of mouth, mostly during a conversation between two people. People are received in small local groups and news of the person’s reception is communicated verbally to local friends. This means that the Circle will continue to exist as long as there are people that find its task meaningful, are prepared to carry through the meditations and wish to pass this on to others.

			Besides the circle members, there have always been people who were aware of the existence and nature of the youth circle. Many participants in the Pedagogical Youth Course in 1922 knew about or were present at the preparatory talks, but did not join after it was founded. By no means do all those who learn about the circle in the sense of the question and answer outlined above, decide to join afterwards. The letter from Ernst Lehrs quoted below shows that the Executive Committee was informed about the Circle in 1961. Although he does not report how this conversation came about, over the years there have often been situations in many countries, where a Circle member, on his or her own initiative or in response to a question, gave an oral account of the Circle, individually or in a group.
			No member of the Youth Circle is obliged to keep the Circle secret, but also not to talk about it. Only the membership of others is not spoken about without first obtaining permission from the person concerned, out of consideration for their privacy.

	== Personal practice ==		== Personal practice ==

3rdWorldkid: formatting adjustments

2021-08-09T14:19:21Z

formatting adjustments

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 9 August 2021
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	The following quotation from the initial conversations with Rudolf Steiner may clarify the relationship of the members to each other:		The following quotation from the initial conversations with Rudolf Steiner may clarify the relationship of the members to each other:

	{{GZ\|To unite together through a mutual promise in striving for a common spiritual purpose, and in doing so to nevertheless leave each one completely free in their actions and their judgments – a community founded upon such precepts is something quite new in the development of humanity and something which is needed today as a matter of utmost necessity.\|266c~~\|440~~}}		{{Quote\|To unite together through a mutual promise in striving for a common spiritual purpose, and in doing so to nevertheless leave each one completely free in their actions and their judgments – a community founded upon such precepts is something quite new in the development of humanity and something which is needed today as a matter of utmost necessity.CW 266c)}}

	Unlike any other human community, where a person’s actions and judgments are invariably subject to censure and to sanctions, in the above sense the Circle has no other possibility than to leave each one completely at liberty.		Unlike any other human community, where a person’s actions and judgments are invariably subject to censure and to sanctions, in the above sense the Circle has no other possibility than to leave each one completely at liberty.
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	No one in the Circle is bound by secrecy, nor are they bound to speak about it. However, any information about the membership of another person is usually, in consideration of their right to personal privacy, only passed on by permission of the person concerned.		No one in the Circle is bound by secrecy, nor are they bound to speak about it. However, any information about the membership of another person is usually, in consideration of their right to personal privacy, only passed on by permission of the person concerned.


	== Personal practice ==		== Personal practice ==
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	Should people later get into an inner conflict with Anthroposophy, with changes in their own life circumstances or anything else that causes them to withdraw inwardly from the work – which has happened on occasion - there is nothing the Circle can do about it. That is something concerning only the individual in his or her own destiny. At best, if the human relationship with other members allows this, it can be discussed and carried by them in support of the person purely as a friend.		Should people later get into an inner conflict with Anthroposophy, with changes in their own life circumstances or anything else that causes them to withdraw inwardly from the work – which has happened on occasion - there is nothing the Circle can do about it. That is something concerning only the individual in his or her own destiny. At best, if the human relationship with other members allows this, it can be discussed and carried by them in support of the person purely as a friend.
	For ultimately the Circle is nothing more than an informal circle of friends with a single, explicit common purpose.		For ultimately the Circle is nothing more than an informal circle of friends with a single, explicit common purpose.


	== Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979 ==		== Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979 ==

Odyssee: /* Literature */

2021-08-09T13:55:50Z

Literature

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:55, 9 August 2021
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	* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Meditation als innere Heilung'', Archiati-Vlg, München 2005, S. 60 - 61		* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Meditation als innere Heilung'', Archiati-Vlg, München 2005, S. 60 - 61
	* [[Ernst Lehrs]]: ''Gelebte Erwartung'' Mellinger Verlag(1979) ISBN 388069088X ISBN 978-3880690882		* [[Ernst Lehrs]]: ''Gelebte Erwartung'' Mellinger Verlag(1979) ISBN 388069088X ISBN 978-3880690882
	* Christiane Haid: ''Auf der Suche nach dem Menschen Die anthoposophische Jugend- und Studentenarbeit in den Jahren 1920-1931'' Verlag am Goetheanum ISBN: 978-3-7235-1110-7		* Christiane Haid: ''Auf der Suche nach dem Menschen Die anthoposophische Jugend- und Studentenarbeit in den Jahren 1920-1931'' Verlag am Goetheanum ISBN 978-3-7235-1110-7
	* Article of Ernst Lehrs in the ''Newsletter - The Anthroposophical Society in America'' December 1979		* Article of Ernst Lehrs in the ''Newsletter - The Anthroposophical Society in America'' December 1979
	* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=545 Biographischer Eintrag: Wilhelm Rath] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''		* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=545 Biographischer Eintrag: Wilhelm Rath] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''

Odyssee at 13:53, 9 August 2021

2021-08-09T13:53:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 9 August 2021
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	The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is an autonomous and independent meditation community which was founded in 1922 with the participation of [[Rudolf Steiner]]. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner.(CW 266/3) All other existing documents of its history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ \|Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].		The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is an autonomous and independent meditation community which was founded in 1922 with the participation of [[Rudolf Steiner]]. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner.(CW 266/3) All other existing documents of its history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].

	== Meditation communities ==		== Meditation communities ==

3rdWorldkid: Final checks after major revision of translated text

2021-08-09T13:47:12Z

Final checks after major revision of translated text

3rdWorldkid at 13:21, 9 August 2021

2021-08-09T13:21:44Z

Show changes

Odyssee: /* Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979 */

2021-07-01T15:26:05Z

Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:26, 1 July 2021
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	== Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979 ==		== Open Letter - Ernst Lehrs 1979 ==

	The following is a letter from Ernst Lehrs, one of the founding members of the Youth Circle, through which he answered a question posed to the editors of Alan Howard's Newsletter of the Anthroposophical Society in America in the autumn of 1979. The letter was written a few weeks before his death.		The following is a letter from [[Ernst Lehrs]], one of the founding members of the Youth Circle, through which he answered a question posed to the editors of Alan Howard's Newsletter of the Anthroposophical Society in America in the autumn of 1979. The letter was written a few weeks before his death.

	{{Quote\|I am writing in response to your enquiry, printed in the Fall '79 issue of the American Newsletter, concerning what appears to you to be a "secret society" within the General Anthroposophical Society. As one of the founding members of this "Circle", which came into being through the assistance of Rudolf Steiner 57 years ago, I feel obliged to give as far as possible a picture of what its true nature may represent. At the time of the so-called Youth Course (available in English under the title "The Younger Generation") given by Rudolf Steiner in 1922, some of us who had taken the initiative for the course humbly approached Rudolf Steiner about a common content for our inner work. The question was stimulated in us in view of the rapid collapse of human society in its various fields. It was at the same time that the failure of the threefold movement seemed inevitable. We felt that something decisive had to be done so that the anthroposophical substance could continue to be preserved, regardless of external conditions. Purely individual meditations for one's own spiritual progress, however indispensable they may be, are not sufficient for this. What we asked for, or at least that is how we formulated it, was a "training as service" in which one wanted to serve the spirit of the time, Michael.		{{Quote\|I am writing in response to your enquiry, printed in the Fall '79 issue of the American Newsletter, concerning what appears to you to be a "secret society" within the General Anthroposophical Society. As one of the founding members of this "Circle", which came into being through the assistance of Rudolf Steiner 57 years ago, I feel obliged to give as far as possible a picture of what its true nature may represent. At the time of the so-called Youth Course (available in English under the title "The Younger Generation") given by Rudolf Steiner in 1922, some of us who had taken the initiative for the course humbly approached Rudolf Steiner about a common content for our inner work. The question was stimulated in us in view of the rapid collapse of human society in its various fields. It was at the same time that the failure of the threefold movement seemed inevitable. We felt that something decisive had to be done so that the anthroposophical substance could continue to be preserved, regardless of external conditions. Purely individual meditations for one's own spiritual progress, however indispensable they may be, are not sufficient for this. What we asked for, or at least that is how we formulated it, was a "training as service" in which one wanted to serve the spirit of the time, Michael.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:47, 9 August 2021
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	The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is an autonomous and independent meditation community which was founded in 1922 with the participation of [[Rudolf Steiner]]. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner. {{CW 266/~~c}}.~~ All other existing documents ~~from his~~ history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ \|Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].		The so-called '''Esoteric Youth Circle''', usually called the '''Circle''' for short, is an autonomous and independent meditation community which was founded in 1922 with the participation of [[Rudolf Steiner]]. The history and aims of the circle are contained in the volume "Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3", of the complete works of Rudolf Steiner.(CW 266/3) All other existing documents of its history are at the [https://dokumentation.goetheanum.org/archiv/archiv Archives at the Goetheanum] or the [http://www.rudolf-steiner.com/en/home-englisch/ \|Rudolf Steiner Archives] in [[Dornach]].

	== Meditation communities ==		== Meditation communities ==
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	This is and has always been, the purpose and work of the Esoteric Youth Circle as expressed and documented by the young people who founded it at the time. They sought an inner, meditative relationship to Anthroposophy that would prepare themselves as individuals, and the wider society around them as a whole, to receive the new stream of spiritual knowledge that was entering the evolution of Humanity.		This is and has always been, the purpose and work of the Esoteric Youth Circle as expressed and documented by the young people who founded it at the time. They sought an inner, meditative relationship to Anthroposophy that would prepare themselves as individuals, and the wider society around them as a whole, to receive the new stream of spiritual knowledge that was entering the evolution of Humanity.


	== Membership and organisation ==		== Membership and organisation ==
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	==Literature==		==Literature==
	* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3 '', [[CW 266/3]] Steinerbooks 2011, ISBN 9780880106184		* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Esoteric Lessons 1913-1923: From the Esoteric School, Vol. 3 '', CW 266/3 Steinerbooks 2011, ISBN 9780880106184
	* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Meditation als innere Heilung'', Archiati-Vlg, München 2005, S. 60 - 61		* [[Rudolf Steiner]]: ''Meditation als innere Heilung'', Archiati-Vlg, München 2005, S. 60 - 61
	* [[Ernst Lehrs]]: ''Gelebte Erwartung'' Mellinger Verlag(1979) ISBN 388069088X ISBN 978-3880690882		* [[Ernst Lehrs]]: ''Gelebte Erwartung'' Mellinger Verlag(1979) ISBN 388069088X ISBN 978-3880690882
	* Christiane Haid: ''Auf der Suche nach dem Menschen Die anthoposophische Jugend- und Studentenarbeit in den Jahren 1920-1931'' Verlag am Goetheanum ISBN: 978-3-7235-1110-7		* Christiane Haid: ''Auf der Suche nach dem Menschen Die anthoposophische Jugend- und Studentenarbeit in den Jahren 1920-1931'' Verlag am Goetheanum ISBN: 978-3-7235-1110-7
	* ~~Artikel von~~ Ernst Lehrs im ''Newsletter - The Anthroposophical Society in America'' December 1979		* Article of Ernst Lehrs in the ''Newsletter - The Anthroposophical Society in America'' December 1979
	* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=545 Biographischer Eintrag: Wilhelm Rath] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''		* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=545 Biographischer Eintrag: Wilhelm Rath] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''
	* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=366 Biographischer Eintrag: Ernst Lehrs] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''		* [http://biographien.kulturimpuls.org/detail.php?&id=366 Biographischer Eintrag: Ernst Lehrs] in der Online-Dokumentation der anthroposophischen ''Forschungsstelle Kulturimpuls''
	* [http://www.anthroposophy.org/uploads/media/ASA_Newsletter_1980_Spring.pdf ~~Brief,~~ Ernst Lehrs - ''A Response to Alan Howard''] im ''Newsletter - Anthroposophical Society in America'' - Spring 1980		* [http://www.anthroposophy.org/uploads/media/ASA_Newsletter_1980_Spring.pdf Letter by Ernst Lehrs - ''A Response to Alan Howard'']''Newsletter - Anthroposophical Society in America'' - Spring 1980
	* [http://www.anthroposophy.org/uploads/media/ASA_Newsletter_1980_Summer.pdf Alan Howard - ''Final Note Concerning the Kreis''] im ''Newsletter - Anthroposophical Society in America'' - Summer 1980		* [http://www.anthroposophy.org/uploads/media/ASA_Newsletter_1980_Summer.pdf Alan Howard - ''Final Note Concerning the Kreis''] ''Newsletter - Anthroposophical Society in America'' - Summer 1980
	* Benjamin Schmidt: ''Wilhelm Rath – Ein Wegbereiter der Jugend.'' Verlag Freies Geistesleben, Stuttgart 2018, ISBN 978-3-7725-1922-2		* Benjamin Schmidt: ''Wilhelm Rath – Ein Wegbereiter der Jugend.'' Verlag Freies Geistesleben, Stuttgart 2018, ISBN 978-3-7725-1922-2