From the World Society
On the Collegium in North America
Dear Members and Friends of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada
Over a beautiful late spring week Joan Sleigh joined the Collegium of the School for Spiritual Science in North America as the new liaison between this work in North America and the Executive Council at the Goetheanum. For more than two decades Dr. Virginia Sease had carried this important task, linking the worldwide General Anthroposophical Society with the work of the Collegium in North America. With Virginia Sease’s retirement, after many decades of dedicated service to Anthroposophy, Joan took up this task as part of her far reaching responsibilities in connection with the English speaking membership worldwide.
As an organ of the North American Anthroposophical Societies in the US, Hawaii, and Canada - as well as the worldwide School for Spiritual Science - the North American Collegium has a unique function not carried in any other way. It is neither formally linked to the three North American Societies nor to the School for Spiritual Science, but is to cultivate that which permeates and fructifies both. This bridging task also includes incorporating the work of the Goetheanum Leadership so that their efforts can inform ours in North America.
The Goetheanum Leadership includes the Executive Council as those responsible for the General Anthroposophical Society and the School for Spiritual Science, as well as the leaders of the various Sections who have their compliments in the Section work taking place on this continent. In this way the Goetheanum Leadership brings about a common work between those carrying the Anthroposophical Society and the work of the School worldwide. The Collegium in North America has a supportive task to that of the Goetheanum Leadership and a shared responsibility in supporting and cultivating those aspects of anthroposophy that permeate every aspect of our common striving.
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FROM THE GOETHEANUM
Dear Members,
Given that many pursue superficial ambitions in politics and society – more money, more power, more influence over others – Claudine Nierth suggests that it is time to open the door to the inside where each of us can discover their creative potential. Practical inspirations for what this could look like could be gained in the performances of Rudolf Steiner’s four mystery dramas (which were embedded in the conference Spirituality – Fear and Health). Among the more than 700 people who attended the performances a positive mood of openness certainly prevailed, of shared experience and active involvement, but also gratitude for the artistic presentation. Gioia Falk, Christian Peter and Stefan Hasler therefore decided in agreement with the Executive Council to perform the Mystery Dramas again after the new Faust at Christmas 2020 at the Goetheanum. From the perspective of the General Anthroposophical Section, Bodo von Plato described three ubiquitous chasms that speak out of statements such as «I don’t have the time», «there is nothing I can do about it» and «things are so complex I can’t understand them.» Young people from the Youth Section pointed out the need for ‹deceleration›, for taking time and creating an inner space, including for facing and learning to accept one’s own inner anxieties as a starting point for gaining new confidence for moving forward actively. Representing the Medical Section, Michaela Glöckler illustrated how pathology as well as healing occur in the dramas and how they are therefore not only dramas of illness but also of recovery.
Helping those who are alone. A practical suggestion came from the audience: the protagonists of the dramas each have their own threshold experiences which they have to deal with individually. But in each situation, however precarious, help arrives. How is it with people who stand alone at the abyss? Let us all look out for such people and stand by them, conveying strength and positivity.
Warm greetings
Joan Sleigh, Goetheanum
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May 2019 Conference in Montreal
The theme of the May 2019 Conference was about good and evil –‘Walking with Our Time – Can We Transform Evil?’ This was most wonderfully introduced and carried through lecture and conversations with Christine Gruwez who has spent many years working with and leading seminars on Manichaeism. In our time of the Consciousness Soul, good and evil are working together and our path forward is not to be based on ‘either/or’ positions. We need to transcend dualism and consider expanding our thinking to include thoughts around ‘as well as.’ Why is evil so powerful in our time? Answers don’t bring us any further. As contemporaries we look for a path rather than a set of answers. She elaborated on the five steps of the path:
• Be present as a spectator, feeling a sense of powerlessness
• Become still and listen, allow events to deeply penetrate
• A meeting, open up to pure potential
• Be present and witness, develop presence of mind
• Be awake, engage, a possibility for redemption exists
What attitude can each of us develop when confronted with darkness and evil? We have the possibility to develop the attitude of ‘milde.’ Christine brought this German word for a quality of soul that could be described as gentleness or kindness. It is contained in the image of Mary who provides an open space where goodness and evil are welcomed as potentiality. This is the quality of warmth and light which expresses love.
For the enrichment of our theme, artistic workshops were offered. Our English-speaking group of about 20 participants collaborated under the skilled direction of Denis Schneider and Eric Tardif.
In small groups of 3 or 4 we used black crayon on white paper and worked with ripped newspaper to create individual patterns. Each person had a turn, darkening where they desired. As can be seen in the photo, each group’s finished work illustrating dark and light was totally unique.
This was not the end, though: we were asked to choose two words to express aspects of our design. Then, as the whole group, we built up words into phrases and finally ‘wrote’ a verse which incorporated most of the original words. None of us could ever have imagined the outcome. It was a truly collaborative artistic project taking us on a fun and creative journey through the exploration of darkness and light.
Here is the poem our group created:
NOW
Dynamic light building Spider
Play transforms Spring Light
VOID
Head held dynamic acceptance
Expansion
Becoming Light
Held
A big thank-you to Arie van Ameringen and Claudette Leblanc for bringing Christine Gruwez to Canada and for organizing a lively and inspiring conference!
Barbara Mundy and Susan Koppersmith
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How Manicheism and anthroposophy can work together for the future:
an interview with Christine Gruwez
Michel Dongois
Becoming contemporary: can we transform evil?
This was the question taken up by
Christine Gruwez*,
who had been invited to speak in Montreal by Arie van Ameringen and Renée Cossette. It opened the door to an exploration of the notion of Manicheism and its relevance for our modern world. Some 70 individuals came to hear her speak at the École Rudolf Steiner de Montréal on the evening of Friday, May 17. The dialogue thus set in motion was taken up in various forms during the Anthroposophical Society in Canada’s AGM weekend. Christine Gruwez spoke to us on how becoming a true contemporary means learning to navigate between the forces of good and evil in our daily lives. The teachings of Mani (216 – 276) can shed light how dealing with light and darkness can be of great help in this respect.
INTERVIEW
How did you become interested in Manicheism?
My interest in the subject developed out of my study of ancient Iranian languages at the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium during the 1970’s. I was strangely moved by the Manichean texts written in middle Persian, without knowing why they touched me. And when I read Bernard Livegoed’s book
How to Save the Soul
(1993)
,
which re-established a link with the Manichean impulse, I felt the same emotion rising up within me. Two friends, John van Schaik and Roland van Vliet, agreed to join me in an in-depth study of Manicheism.
Starting in 1995, we organised lectures and working groups in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. In 2006, we set off on a long voyage along the Silk Road to visit various Manichean sites, among which were Penjikent and Samarkand. After its inception in 3
rd
century Persia, history recounts how Manicheism became widespread during a thousand-year period. It became the state religion of the Uighurs.
Do you speak Farsi?
Yes, I do. It is a very clear, transparent language which uses the Arabic alphabet. But one needs to add four letters, since in Arabic, which is a Semitic language, the consonants are of primary importance, whereas in modern Persian, it is the vowels that are important. Since 2002, I have made frequent trips to Iran, the latest being in 2018.
Why did Rudolf Steiner refer so rarely to Mani, whereas he spoke at length about Ahriman, Lucifer and Christ?
On two occasions, he expressed his regret at not being able to go into greater detail on the subject of Mani, but he did not explain why! In the only lecture he gave on Manicheism (November 11, 1904), he spoke of “the intention of Manicheism” for the future.
What is Mani’s task?
To guide those who have undertaken the task of transforming evil. Mani guides his own stream in human evolution and will remain with mankind until the end of time. According to Rudolf Steiner, Mani is preparing mankind for the time when human beings of the 6
th
epoch will be guided from out of their own being, by the light of their own souls, to be able to overcome rigid external forms and transform them into spirit.
Steiner spoke of Mani as being an “emissary”, a lofty ambassador for Christ. This was indeed the spiritual title inscribed in Aramaic on a seal Mani carried with him. This seal is now kept in the archives of the Paris National Library. I had the privilege of viewing it (it is not on display) and I was even given permission to hold it.
What does the Manichean story of the Creation recount?
That the kingdoms (spiritual conditions) of light and darkness coexist, are co-eternal and consubstantial, and that they both have the power to create. Their substances are of equal strength, but their ......................
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Auriel Heart Stream Eurythmy
Dear Friends,
We are excited to launch Auriel Eurythmy’s Heart Stream program this fall. If you have been longing to deepen your relationship to your life as a developing being, eurythmy offered in an inter-arts approach is a beautiful way forward.
Auriel Heart Stream Eurythmy is open to everyone wanting to bring their relationship to Anthroposophy and their personal inner path into movement. A movement radiating from the heart, out of love of the spirit, each other, and art.
Auriel Heart Stream Eurythmy is an offering of 8 eurythmy courses or modules over two years that form the heart of eurythmy. All of the individual 8 courses can be taken separately, or be taken as a complete two year program. We call these courses 'Seasonal Courses'.
They have been developed for heart and soul nourishment for everyone interested, for professional development for individuals working in anthroposophical institutions, or as refresher courses for trained eurythmists.
For those interested in travel to Mexico this program can begin Aug 17 to Sept 3 in Mexico City! Or gather with us November 29 - December 5 in western Canada (the location is being considered).
Please reach out to us to initiate conversation about this inter-arts program where eurythmy, fine art explorations, conversation, story and somatic movement support a deep space for learning.
There is more information at www.aurieleurythmy.org and you are welcome
Warmly,
Barbarah for the Auriel Team
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OBITUARY
Millie Johne February 3, 1940 – July 23, 2019
Mildred Elizabeth Wilson was born in Collingwood, Ontario on February 3
rd
1940, the eldest of three children. There are photos of her taking care of her siblings, also neighbour children. Her protective, caring gesture towards younger children can be seen early. Millie studied French, German and Latin at the University of Toronto, and earned her teaching certificate.
Before settling into teaching, she went on an adventure to Germany and worked as a translator for the American military. There she met her future husband, Peter Johne, and they came back to Ontario to make a fresh start. He worked as a cook and ran a delicatessen. Millie took care of their two children, Jennifer and Chris. She was also a beloved aunt, going on adventures blackberry-picking and knowing the art of quietly creating great joy with little. During this time she met Dorothee Chambers and learned about biodynamic agriculture and Waldorf education.
The marriage dissolved, but they remained friendly and respectful. Millie moved and taught French and German in a high school in Parry Sound, followed by a time in Waterloo teaching children with learning disabilities. After that school closed, Millie went to Thornhill to study Waldorf education and then went to Ottawa to become one of the founding teachers in the Waldorf School there. She was well-liked and helped many children on their way. Millie took two classes grades one through eight and part of another cycle before retiring.
While she lived in Ottawa she was a faithful participant in the Christian Community services when they were held there.
Upon retiring, Millie moved to Maxwell to join her daughter and was overjoyed at the arrival of her granddaughter Kai.
Millie began to keep bees, and had her own label (thanks to Jennifer!) of “Millie Bees’ Honey.” This hobby lets us glimpse something of her own special gift: she herself could work like a bee-- selflessly and mindful of the whole community, dedicated to the centre of “the hive of life.” Millie was humble and caring, creating a future by tending the present with gentle devotion.
She also opened at home a day care for children, and loved them as if they were her own grandchildren.
Once Parkinsons affected Millie’s mobility and steadiness, she had to give up driving and had a few falls. She went to live in a care home for two months, and had one bad fall ten days before she crossed the threshold of death on July 23
rd
.
Chris and Jennifer built in ten hours the beautiful coffin for their mother, out of wood salvaged from a garage that Millie’s father had built during her childhood.
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PERSPECTIVES
The first issue of the Society's new publication,
Perspectives
, has been distributed to all members of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada
The editorial team is already planning for issue two which will come out in May 2020. The theme will be:
Good and Evil, Light and Darkness
.
We are calling for articles of 1500 words or less and, in order to be considered for selection, they must be received no later than Dec. 31, 2019. Files can be sent in English or French (we will take care of the translation). We would also like to receive good quality photos of artwork based on the theme.
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BOOK REVIEW
The Lodge of the Bodhisattvas and the Question of the 20th Century Bodhisattva,
by Filip Filipov and Preslav Pavlov,
second edition, published by Preslav Pavlov, 2018.
Rudolf Steiner spoke a great deal about the bodhisattvas, especially the Maitreya
Bodhisattva, that is, the bodhisattva of the 20th century. There has been much
speculation about the identity of the Maitreya Bodhisattva in anthroposophical
circles. Sergei Prokofieff and T.H. Meyer have both written a great deal about
this question.
Filipov and Pavlov have done a superb job in addressing this question. They have tracked down many bodhisattva claims, probably all of them, and come to a conclusion that is very compelling. Anthroposophists interested in the bodhisattvas will find this book inspired reading, at least this reviewer did.
In the 1920’s, certain anthroposophists claimed that Rudolf Steiner was in fact the Maitreya Bodhisattva. Adolf Arenson and Elisabeth Vreede spoke out against this claim. T.H. Meyer has written a very good book about the bodhisattvas, “The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurthi, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth Century Master”.
Some of Rudolf Steiner’s words about the qualities of the Maitreya Bodhisattva: “he is also incorporated now, and will be the actual preacher of the Christ in etheric raiment”, and “he is the greatest teacher that has come to make clear to humanity the Christ event in its full scope”.
The authors identify the Maitreya Bodhisattva as Peter Deunov, also known by his spiritual name, Beinsa Douno, who worked in Bulgaria until 1944, preparing the Slavonic people for the sixth age. He attracted a great following in Bulgaria, estimated to be about 40,000 people. He created a spiritual community known as the Great Universal Brotherhood. In 1937, knowing that WWII and communism were approaching, he sent his disciple Mihail Ivanov, who later became known as Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov, to France to establish the Brotherhood there.
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General Information and Upcoming Events
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Branches & Groups
Calgary Branch
Contact: Christine at
*******
Duncan
Contact:
*******
Huronia Branch
Contact Janine at
705-728-1443
*******
Montréal
Institute Rudolf Steiner Quebec
Montreal Branch (English)
*******
Nelson, BC
*******
Nova Scotia
*******
Saugeen Cedar Branch
*******
Thornhill Branch
now renamed
Polaris Branch
********
Thornhill Group
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Toronto Branch
Please see events in the right-hand column
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Vancouver
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Membership Update
Deceased
Donna Martin April 29th, Ontario
Judith Hart July 15, 2019, AB
******
New Members
Emmanuel Vucovich, Montreal QC
Fiona Hughes,Toronto ON
Paulette Tarnawski, Victoria, BC
Karen Elsher, Edmomton, AB
Welcome!
******
Transferred
Colin Beausejour, QC to Germany
Doug Wiley, ON to USA
******
Editorial Notes
The eNews is published 10 times per year for members of the Anthroposophical Society In Canada.
Please send correspondence and articles in either Word doc or iWork pages without formatting except for paragraphs to
BACK ISSUES are available on our website:
You will need the password: ASC
Contact Info
Anthroposophical Society in Canada
# 130A - 1 Hesperus Rd.
Thornhill, ON
L4J 0G9
Administrator
416-892-3656
877-892-3656
Members website
please note you will need to use the password
ASC
to access the members only page
Council
President
Treasurer
Secretary
General Secretary
School For Spiritual Science
For list of Class Holders,
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ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER TORONTO BRANCH
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Thursday Sept. 26, Professor Fredrich Amrine will speak on
“Doorway to Spiritual Science: Rudolf Steiner as Architect”
, at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Ave., Toronto
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ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER LOFTY OFFERINGS TORONTO
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Lofty Contents
Electric Ancient Egyptians ~ Penetrating the Atom with Electrified Sperm
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NOVA SCOTIA - SEPTEMBER NOVA SCOTIA GROUP
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You are warmly invited to celebrate Michaelmas with the NS Group of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada
Sunday, September 29 at BearRiver Farm, Bear River, Nova Scotia
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Foundation Studies – Fall Term 2019
Focus text for Foundation Studies this fall is Rudolf Steiner’s How to Know Higher Worlds, also translated as Knowldege of Higher Worlds and its Attainment.
Originally written by Rudolf Steiner in 1904-5, this book presents the method Steiner used and taught as an anthroposophical path of knowledge.
The 2019 fall program will happen Friday afternoons
October 4, 11, 18, and 25, from 2 – 5:30 p.m.
at the South Shore Waldorf School in Blockhouse
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ONTARIO - OCTOBER ARSCURA
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Colour Spaces - Colour Dimensions
October 4th, 7 - 9pm & October 5th, 10am - 3:30pm
Regine Kurek and Reg Down will explore colour space and colour dimension via eurythmy, painting and gesture.
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ONTARIO - OCTOBER TORONTO BRANCH
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Thursday Oct. 17,
Awakening the Gifted Heart: Over- coming Meaninglessness, Burnout and Untruthfulness
, with the Rev. Jonah Evans.Thursday Oct. 17,
at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Ave., Toronto
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ONTARIO - OCTOBER ARSCURA
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Find Your Artist - Change the World
A seven week, two days a week art immersion for the beginner as well as the experienced art lover. Begins Friday, October 26. Please check the website for full details.
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ONTARIO - NOVEMBER RUDOLF STEINER CENTRE TORONTO
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Friday and Saturday November 8, 9 Waldorf Development Conference at the Rudolf Steiner Centre Toronto. This year’s theme is “Education for Balance and Resilience”.
For teachers, parents, or anyone who’s interest- ed in deepening their understanding of Waldorf education.
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An Introduction to the World of
Rudolf Steiner's
Outline of Esoteric Science
Moderated and led by Paul Goodyear & Eurythmy movement with Margaret Osmond
Sunday November 7th - Monday November 11th
This very compact workshop is suited for people who wish to get a first access to this seminal "masterpiece" of Rudolf Steiners
For more information and to register please visit
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ONTARIO - NOVEMBER TORONTO BRANCH
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Breaking the Spell: Metamorphosing Science’s Core Paradigm
with Dr. Kenneth McAlister.
November 21st at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, 2 Sussex Ave., Toronto
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Anthroposophy Worldwide - 2019
We will continue to provide a link for anthroposophy worldwide for the time being. Please refer to article below concerning direct delivery from the Goetheanum.
If you would like to see the archive of past issues, go to:
Archiv
then enter password AWE-2018
Anthroposophy worldwide to your inbox
If you are a member of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada (ASC), you are also a member of the General Anthroposophical Society (GAS) centred at the Gotheanum, Dornach, Switzerland. The GAS is currently pursuing a policy of direct email communication with members.
Anthroposophy Worldwide, which reached its 21st birthday this year, is available ten times a year by email. You can now receive it in pdf form directly from the Goetheanum. Please send them your email address – to ensure correct identification add your name and postal address – using the online forms, which are available in English, French, German and Spanish at:
anthroposophie.org/abo.
S
elect ENGLISH (EN)/FRENCH (FR) on the welcome page.
Fill out the form. If you have problems filling in or submitting the form, you can also send your data informally to
abo@dasgoetheanum.com
.
Many Thanks,
Editor
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