The Rudolf Steiner Archive

Reincarnation and Karma
Their Significance in Modern Culture
GA 135

Rudolf Steiner showed that a deepened understanding and experience of the reality of successive earth lives formed the basis for true spiritual knowledge of the relationship of human beings and the cosmos. In contrast to most teachings on this subject, he gave concrete descriptions of the metamorphoses undergone by individuals in the course of successive incarnations. He also gave specific examples of the working of karma, as well as practical exercises for experiencing the reality of incarnation.

In this set of lectures, which contains some of Steiner's most important teachings on the subject, Rudolf Steiner describes the development of "feeling memory" and gives many other exercises that lead to real knowledge of karma and reincarnation. Examples are also given of how karmic effects pass between incarnations and the impact of the idea of reincarnation on our moral lives is clearly shown.

These lectures are also published under the title: Reincarnation and Karma — Two Fundamental Truths of Human Existence. Translated from shorthand reports unrevised by the lecturer, by D. S. Osmond, C. Davy and S. and E. F. Derry.

The Original German Texts of these lectures are published under the title: Wiederverkörperung und Karma und ihre Bedeutung für die Kultur der Gegenwart..

I.	How can a direct conception be gained of the inner kernel of man's being which passes through many lives on earth?	January 23, 1912
II.	Need for the development of a ‘feeling-memory’ before direct experience of reincarnation is possible	January 30, 1912
III.	Knowledge of reincarnation and karma through thought-exercises	February 20, 1912
IV.	Examples of the working of karma between two incarnations	February 21, 1912
V.	Reincarnation and karma: the fundamental ideas of the anthroposophical world conception. The strengthening of the moral life	March 05, 1912