The Importance of Branch and Group Life

21 Nov The Importance of Branch and Group Life

The Parzival Group in Kelowna BC

On many occasions, Rudolf Steiner pointed to branch/group life as a new form of sister-brotherhood. When individuals of different races, destinies, genders, professions, points of view come together periodically to study esoteric truths or do artistic activities or plan anthroposophical events, something can light up through the bonds of soul-to-soul. We can “awaken” to each other. 

This work is valuable if we can work with others who think differently. We can train ourselves to give full recognition to them as authors of their own destinies. We can leave them free to structure their thoughts which are appropriate to them as the bearers of their pre-earthly existence. In branch life, we can learn to bow in reverence to the mystery of the other. Agitation kills anthroposophy, says Steiner. Our words must reflect not the propagandist’s attempt to persuade, but our pure and single-minded attempt to express the Spirit.  We can show interest in each other’s point of view; we can carry questions over the days and nights between meetings and also look for the common ground from which the group can proceed.

While working together this way, the thoughts and feelings of the assembled individuals are raised into the super-sensible. Our work together can become an offering to the divine creative powers, to whom we owe our existence. The spiritual hierarchies become interested in us when we try to work together out of anthroposophy. When we develop empathy for others, when we recognize and work with spiritual impulses that want to unite with our ideals and when we develop freedom of thought and allow others to do the same, we prepare for the future epoch.

Steiner believed that everyone who goes to an anthroposophical meeting should have the feeling that he will find more than if he merely studies anthroposophy on his own. 

In studying anthroposophy on one’s own, the truths of existence are revealed. 

In participating in groups and branches of the Anthroposophical Society, it is the life that is cultivated.

 Rudolf Steiner, The Life, Nature and Cultivation of Anthroposophy (letters to members), January 27, 1924

 See more on this subject: Rudolf Steiner, How Anthroposophical Groups Prepare for the Sixth Epoch , June 15, 1915

 Steiner, The Life, Nature and Cultivation of Anthroposophy, February 3, 1924