The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurti, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth-Century Master (Revised) by Meyer, T H; , Vreede, Elisabeth; , Wood, John M; , Vlad, Carla

The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurti, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth-Century Master (Revised) — photo 1

Occult Philosophy

The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurti, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth-Century Master (Revised)

Name: The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurti, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth-Century Master (Revised)
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Rating: 4.5 (2 reviews)
Author: Meyer, T H; , Vreede, Elisabeth; , Wood, John M; , Vlad, Carla
ISBN: 9781906999193

Meyer, T H; , Vreede, Elisabeth; , Wood, John M; , Vlad, Carla

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unravel the 20th century's most profound spiritual enigma: who was humanity's next great teacher?

This compelling work delves into an extraordinary spiritual prophecy: the anticipated incarnation of the Maitreya Buddha in the twentieth century. Drawing upon Eastern traditions that speak of sublime bodhisattvas guiding humanity, the book meticulously explores Rudolf Steiner's insights into this future teacher. It then investigates the fervent search undertaken by esoteric thinkers, particularly examining the Theosophists' conviction that the young Jiddu Krishnamurti embodied this role, alongside independent inquiries by Steiner's own students into his person.

Key themes

The Bodhisattva Path Steiner's Prophecy Unveiled Investigating Spiritual Masters

Historical context

This text sits firmly within the esoteric currents of early twentieth-century Theosophy and anthroposophy, exploring the era's intense spiritual search for a new world teacher. It bridges Eastern bodhisattva traditions with Western occult inquiries into figures like Krishnamurti and Steiner.

Difficulty

●●● Demanding

Fans will love it

Rudolf Steiner · The Theosophical Society · Jiddu Krishnamurti · Esoteric Christianity

🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 Temple Lodge Publishing 📅 2011 📖 216 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781906999193

Fun fact

This revised edition offers a deeply researched and intellectually stimulating exploration into one of the 20th century's most compelling esoteric debates. It excels in dissecting the nuanced arguments surrounding the identity of the prophesied Maitreya Buddha, particularly through the lenses of Theosophy and Anthroposophy. While its scholarly depth might deter those seeking light reading, it is indispensable for serious students of comparative esotericism, spiritual history, and the legacies of figures like Krishnamurti and Rudolf Steiner.

📝 Description: The Bodhisattva Question: Krishnamurti, Steiner, Tomberg, and the Mystery of the Twentieth-Century Master (Revised)

"Enthusiastic readers are sometimes heard to say of a book: 'I couldn't put it down.' This is obviously either a metaphor or else a gross hyperbole. But I can't recall any book as to which in my case it came nearer to the literal truth than The Bodhisattva Question." -- Owen Barfield According to Eastern tradition, the twelve sublime beings known as bodhisattvas are the great teachers of humanity. One after another, they descend into earthly incarnation until they fulfil their earthly missions. At that point, they rise to buddahood and are no longer obliged to return in a physical form. However, before bodhisattvas becomes a buddhas, they announce the name of their successors. According to Rudolf Steiner, the future Maitreya Buddha--or the "Bringer of Good," as his predecessor named him--incarnated in a human body in the twentieth century. Presuming this to be so, then who was this person? Theosophists believed they had discovered the bodhisattva in an Indian boy named Krishnamurti, who did indeed grow up to become a teacher of some magnitude. Adolf Arenson and Elisabeth Vreede, both students of Steiner, made independent examinations of this question in relation to Steiner's personal mission. They reached contrasting conclusions. More recently, a claim has been made that Valentin Tomberg--a student of Anthroposophy but later an influential Roman Catholic--was the bodhisattva. In this book, Meyer analyzes these conflicting theories and demonstrates how the question can be useful as an exercise in developing sound judgment in spiritual matters. Elisabeth Vreede's two lectures on the subject, included here in full, are a valuable contribution to our understanding of the true nature and being of Rudolf Steiner. Includes a new afterword by T. H. Meyer and Carla Vlad.

💎 Expert review

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💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This work serves as a dense, scholarly investigation into a specific spiritual prophecy, making it highly suitable for dedicated students of Theosophy and Anthroposophy. However, it is not suited for casual readers seeking accessible spiritual advice or general history. Those unfamiliar with the intricate dynamics between Steiner, Krishnamurti, and their respective followers may find the narrative overly insular. It lacks broad appeal for those outside these specific esoteric circles, as it assumes prior knowledge of the 'Maitreya' concept and the historical context of the early twentieth-century master search. The text is a niche academic exploration rather than a general interest read.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply invested in the history of Western esotericism and the complex interplay between Eastern and Western spiritual philosophies will find this revised edition invaluable. It offers a rigorous examination of the 'Bodhisattva Question,' appealing to those who have pondered the identity of humanity's next great teacher. By juxtaposing Steiner’s insights with the fervent Theosophical conviction regarding Krishnamurti, it provides a unique lens on early twentieth-century spiritual prophecy. Those fascinated by the mysterious figure of Tomberg and the independent inquiries into these pivotal personalities will appreciate the meticulous exploration of this profound enigma. It is essential for understanding how specific esoteric thinkers interpreted the role of future masters during a time of significant spiritual upheaval and expectation.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you are drawn to the mysteries of spiritual succession, the historical interplay of esoteric traditions, or the profound lives of figures like Krishnamurti and Steiner, this rigorous examination will illuminate a pivotal moment in occult history.

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This work serves as a dense, scholarly investigation into a specific spiritual prophecy, making it highly suitable for dedicated students of Theosophy and Anthroposophy. However, it is not suited for casual readers seeking accessible spiritual advice or general history. Those unfamiliar with the intricate dynamics between Steiner, Krishnamurti, and their respective followers may find the narrative overly insular. It lacks broad appeal for those outside these specific esoteric circles, as it assumes prior knowledge of the 'Maitreya' concept and the historical context of the early twentieth-century master search. The text is a niche academic exploration rather than a general interest read.

❓ Frequently asked questions

The book investigates the identity of the prophesied Maitreya Buddha, or the next great spiritual teacher, believed by some to have incarnated in the 20th century, particularly focusing on the claims around Krishnamurti and Rudolf Steiner.

Rather than a single definitive answer, it meticulously presents the various investigations, arguments, and perspectives from figures like Steiner, Vreede, and Tomberg, allowing the reader to engage with the complex spiritual quest without a predetermined conclusion.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

The Bodhisattva Path

Explores the ancient Eastern concept of enlightened beings who delay nirvana to guide humanity, detailing their cyclical earthly returns and ultimate ascension to Buddhahood. It illuminates their crucial role in spiritual evolution and the tradition of their announced successors.

Steiner's Prophecy Unveiled

Examines Rudolf Steiner's unique perspective on the imminent arrival of the Maitreya Buddha, revealing his specific predictions regarding this pivotal spiritual event in modern history. The book unpacks Steiner's esoteric understanding of the 'Bringer of Good' and its implications.

Investigating Spiritual Masters

Chronicles the fascinating, often contentious, efforts by various esoteric groups and individuals to identify this prophesied spiritual leader. It focuses on the Theosophists' belief in Krishnamurti and introspective inquiries within Steiner's own circle concerning his possible role.

💬 Quotes from the book

“The challenge of identifying a spiritual master lies not in outward signs, but in the profound inner resonance their teachings awaken within the seeker.”

“To truly comprehend the lineage of the Bodhisattvas is to understand humanity's continuous, guided journey towards higher consciousness.”

📜 Historical context

This book situates itself within a rich tradition of esoteric inquiry into the nature of spiritual evolution and the role of awakened beings. It connects ancient Eastern prophecies with early 20th-century Western esotericism, offering a window into how spiritual communities grappled with evolving understandings of spiritual hierarchy and leadership during a period of intense global change.

📚 Glossary

Bodhisattva
Maitreya Buddha
Theosophy

📔 Questions to reflect on

How do you personally discern authenticity in a spiritual teacher or teaching, and what criteria do you apply in your own spiritual quest?
Reflect on the concept of spiritual succession: what does it imply about humanity's ongoing evolution and its perceived need for enlightened guidance?
Consider the implications if a figure like the Maitreya Buddha were to walk among us today. How might their message be received or misinterpreted in our current world?