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The Rudolf Steiner Archive

a project of Steiner Online Library, a public charity

Esoteric Lessons I
GA 266

Number 42

Berlin, 11-17-'08

If an esoteric still has aggravation of rage, curiosity or gossipiness in him they cause great harm to his bodies. Curiosity has a dessicating effect on the physical body, and it puts folds into the astral body. Talkativeness shows us as cracks. When spiritual organs are built up at night through the exercises, the cracks bring it about that they're torn apart again.

An esoteric pupil should create 15 minutes of absolute spiritual quiet through his will, even in the greatest noise. He can attain this spiritual quiet better in a noisy city than in great seclusion in the country, since it depends on the effort of will. He should create this inner calm by withdrawing into himself so that the noises recede into the distance.

What's elaborated in meditation doesn't just benefit the meditator — it goes back into the cosmos and is of use to the whole world.