Jesus’ Initiation

A summary of Rudolf Steiner’s The Atlantean Oracles:

Atlantean Consciousness and Evolution: The text begins with a description of the consciousness prevalent in Atlantean times. It notes that the etheric body did not coincide with the physical body as it does now, leading to a different kind of perception and consciousness. Atlanteans had a dim clairvoyance and could perceive the spiritual world more directly, though less clearly, than we do today.

Influence of Lucifer and Atlantean Leaders: The text discusses the influence of Lucifer on the evolution of human consciousness and the efforts of Atlantean leaders to guard against this. It suggests that Atlantean leaders and oracles had a significant role in guiding people spiritually, especially in combatting negative influences.

Sinking of Atlantis and Post-Atlantean Mysteries: The narrative then shifts to the sinking of Atlantis and its consequences, including the continuation of spiritual oracles and mysteries in the post-Atlantean era. This period saw a shift in the study of spiritual sciences, which began to resemble what is now known as anthroposophy.

Methods of Initiation and Evolution of Consciousness: Different methods of initiation used in post-Atlantean mysteries are detailed, including how they evolved up to Christian times. There’s a focus on the transition from direct spiritual perception to a more intellectual understanding of spiritual worlds.

Approach of Christ and Its Significance: The text delves into the approach of Christ toward Earth, as seen by figures like Zarathustra and Moses. It discusses the significance of Christ’s impulse as a form of spiritual love intended to counteract the egotism brought by Lucifer. This includes a comparison between pre-Christian and Christian initiation rites, particularly the baptism by John as a transformative spiritual experience.

Evolution Through Post-Atlantean Epochs: The narrative explores the progress of human orientation through the first four post-Atlantean epochs, culminating in the Greeks and their unique approach to the physical world.

Tolstoy and the Christ Impulse: There is a discussion about the undertone of the Christ impulse in Tolstoy’s work, highlighting how even high-minded individuals can struggle to fully grasp or convey the essence of this impulse.

Need for Anthroposophy in Understanding Christ: Finally, the text argues for the necessity of anthroposophy in contemporary times to understand the Christ figure and its evolving significance in human consciousness and spiritual development.

This summary encapsulates the main themes of the transcript, which intertwines historical-spiritual evolution with the development of human consciousness and the role of significant spiritual figures and impulses.

Mathias de Stefano’s memories of the Atlantean people and the initiation

3 Types of Bodies

1. Physical body
2. Ethereal body
3. Astrological body

Initiation – dead-like state

• Astro body
• Dead-like state lasting 3,5 days
• Dead like sleep
• Placed in a coffin or bound to something like a cross

Jesus is traditionally believed to have resurrected three days after his crucifixion and death. According to the New Testament in the Christian Bible, Jesus was crucified and then buried in a tomb. This event is commemorated by Christians on Good Friday. The resurrection, celebrated on Easter Sunday, is said to have occurred on the third day after his death.

This timeline is based on the Gospel accounts. For instance, in the Gospel of Matthew 28:1-6, it mentions that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb on the first day of the week (Sunday) and found it empty, with an angel informing them that Jesus had risen from the dead. This event is a cornerstone of Christian faith, symbolizing Jesus’ victory over death and his role as the Son of God.

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:1-6

Jesus’ initiation

The concept of Jesus’ initiation refers to various events and teachings in Christian theology that are considered central to understanding Jesus’ mission and his role as the Messiah in Christian belief. These events are primarily drawn from the New Testament of the Bible. Here are some key aspects:

Baptism by John the Baptist

This is often seen as the starting point of Jesus’ public ministry. According to the Gospels, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. This event is significant for several reasons, including the heavens opening, the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as God’s beloved Son. This event is seen as an initiation into his public ministry and a confirmation of his identity as the Son of God.

John the Baptist is portrayed as a pivotal figure in the spiritual evolution of humanity, particularly in the context of preparing for the arrival and acceptance of the Christ impulse. Here’s a summary of his role as described in the text:

Preparation for the Christ Impulse
John the Baptist’s primary role was to prepare people for the coming of Christ. He did this through his teachings and the act of baptism, which was a symbolic and transformative ritual.

Baptism as a Spiritual Awakening
The baptism performed by John was not just a simple ritual but an immersive experience that led individuals to a spiritual awakening. By submerging individuals underwater, John induced in them an experience of their past lives, connecting them with the spiritual world and affirming their spiritual existence beyond the physical body.

Awakening to the Spiritual World
Those baptized by John gained a renewed awareness of the spiritual world. This experience contrasted with the growing materialistic focus of the time, rekindling an understanding of and connection to spiritual realities.

Recognition of the “I Am”
The baptized individuals came to recognize the spiritual world and, importantly, the “I Am” – a concept of the divine or spiritual self. This recognition was crucial for understanding the nature of the Christ being who was soon to incarnate on Earth.

Transition from Physical to Spiritual Consciousness
John’s baptisms marked a transition from a predominantly physical, sense-based consciousness to a more spiritually oriented-consciousness. This shift was essential for humanity to comprehend and embrace the Christ impulse, which aimed at transforming human inner nature through love and spiritual understanding.

Confrontation with Personal Ego and Luciferic Influences
Through baptism, individuals also confronted their personal ego and the influences of Lucifer, which promoted individualism and materialism. This confrontation was a step towards understanding and overcoming these influences through the spiritual love represented by Christ.

In summary, John the Baptist’s role, as described in the transcript, was fundamental in transitioning humanity’s consciousness from a predominantly physical and ego-centric perspective to a more spiritually aware and Christ-oriented understanding. His baptisms were a means of preparing individuals not only to recognize the spiritual reality but also to accept and internalize the transformative Christ impulse.

Temptation in the desert

After his baptism, Jesus is said to have spent 40 days and nights fasting in the Judean desert, during which time he was tempted by Satan. This period is seen as a test of Jesus’ faith and commitment to his mission. Jesus’ resistance to these temptations is viewed as a demonstration of his moral and spiritual strength.

Transfiguration: Another significant event is the Transfiguration of Jesus, where he is described as undergoing a radiant transformation on a mountain in the presence of three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John. This event, where Jesus speaks with Moses and Elijah and is again affirmed by a voice from heaven, is seen as a further revelation of his divine nature.

Teachings and Miracles: Throughout his ministry, Jesus initiated his followers into the kingdom of God through his teachings, parables, and miracles. This included teachings on love, forgiveness, and the coming of God’s kingdom.

The Last Supper: The initiation of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, took place during the Last Supper with his disciples. This is seen as a foundational event for Christian worship and community.

Crucifixion and Resurrection: The culmination of Jesus’ initiation of humanity into a new covenant with God is seen in his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. This event is central to Christian belief as it signifies Jesus’ victory over sin and death and the possibility of eternal life for believers.

The burning bush

The Burning Bush is a significant symbol, particularly in the context of Moses’ spiritual experience and the broader narrative of humanity’s spiritual evolution. Here’s a summary of its role as described in the text:

Revelation of the Divine
The Burning Bush is portrayed as a pivotal moment of divine revelation to Moses. It represents a direct encounter between the spiritual world and a human being, in this case, Moses.

Manifestation of the “I Am”
The Burning Bush is where Moses hears the voice of God, identifying itself as “I Am” or “Jehovah” (Yahweh). This is a critical moment where the divine nature of God is expressed as a self-existent, eternal being, an identity that is central to the Abrahamic religions.

Spiritual Awakening and Guidance
For Moses, this encounter is not just a moment of revelation but also a turning point that awakens him to his mission to lead the Israelites. It provides both spiritual guidance and a physical sign of God’s presence and power.

Prefiguration of Christ’s Coming
In the broader narrative of the transcript, the Burning Bush experience is linked to the gradual approach of the Christ spirit toward Earth. The “I Am” revealed to Moses is seen as a prefiguration or an early manifestation of the same spiritual entity that would later incarnate as Christ.

Connection Between Spiritual and Physical Realms
The event of the Burning Bush illustrates the interplay between the spiritual and physical realms. The bush burns without being consumed, symbolizing the presence of the divine in the physical world without diminishing its spiritual essence.

Shift in Human Consciousness
The Burning Bush represents a shift in human consciousness and understanding of the divine. It marks a transition from a more general, pantheistic view of spiritual beings to a more monotheistic and personal understanding of God.

Parallels between Moses and Jesus

Miraculous Births and Early Threats
Both Moses and Jesus had extraordinary circumstances surrounding their births. Moses was born at a time when Pharaoh ordered the death of Hebrew male infants, and his mother hid him to save his life. Jesus’ birth was heralded as miraculous (the Virgin Birth) and King Herod’s decree to kill male infants in Bethlehem threatened his early life.

Leaders and Liberators
Moses is known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, a pivotal act of liberation. Jesus is seen in Christianity as a spiritual liberator, freeing people from sin and offering salvation.

Lawgivers
Moses is known for receiving the Ten Commandments and other laws from God at Mount Sinai, which formed the basis of Jewish law. Jesus is seen as fulfilling and reinterpreting the law, emphasizing love and mercy, such as in the Sermon on the Mount.

Prophetic Roles
Both were considered prophets, communicating the will of God to the people. Moses is a central prophet in Judaism, and Jesus’ teachings and prophecies are central to Christianity.

Signs and Miracles
Both figures are known for performing miracles. Moses performed signs and wonders in Egypt, such as the parting of the Red Sea, and Jesus is known for his miracles like healing the sick and walking on water.

Sacrificial Aspects
Moses’ life was marked by self-sacrifice, as he devoted himself to leading a difficult and often rebellious people. Jesus’ crucifixion is seen in Christianity as the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.

Mountaintop Experiences
Significant events in their lives occurred on mountains. Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, while Jesus delivered some of his key teachings (like the Beatitudes) in the Sermon on the Mount and was transfigured on a mountain.

Parallels between Jesus and Elijah

The parallels between Jesus and the prophet Elijah from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) are also quite interesting, with several key aspects highlighted in Christian theology:

Prophetic Roles
Both Elijah and Jesus were prophets who spoke the word of God. Elijah was a major prophet in the Old Testament, known for his confrontations with Ahab and Jezebel, while Jesus is seen as the ultimate prophet in Christianity.

Miracles and Wonders
Both figures are famous for performing miracles. Elijah performed miracles like raising the widow’s son from the dead, causing a drought, and calling down fire from heaven. Jesus performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the multitudes.

Confrontation with Rulers
Elijah was known for his confrontations with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, challenging their authority and idolatry. Jesus also had confrontations with the religious and political authorities of his time, challenging their interpretations of the law and their moral authority.

Connection to the Wilderness
Both spent time in the wilderness. Elijah fled to the wilderness to escape Jezebel’s wrath and had his encounter with God at Mount Horeb. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, where he was tempted.

Transfiguration and Ascension
Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, a unique departure from earth. In the New Testament, Jesus’ Transfiguration (where he appears in glorified form) includes the appearance of Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of the prophets. Jesus later ascends to heaven after his resurrection.

Messengers of Repentance
Both preached repentance. Elijah called for the Israelites to turn back to God, and Jesus’ message also centered on repentance and the Kingdom of God.

Role in Eschatology
Elijah holds a significant role in Jewish eschatology as the precursor to the Messiah. In Christian thought, Jesus himself is the Messiah, and some interpretations of the Gospels suggest that John the Baptist, in the spirit of Elijah, heralded Jesus’ coming.

The parallels between Jesus and Zarathustra

Comparing Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster), the ancient prophet of Zoroastrianism, and Jesus Christ from Christianity reveals some interesting parallels, although they come from different cultural and religious backgrounds:

Prophetic Roles
Both Zarathustra and Jesus are central figures in their respective religions as prophets. Zarathustra is credited with founding Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, while Jesus is central to Christianity, both as a prophet and as the Son of God in Christian belief.

Ethical Teachings
Both figures preached ethical monotheism. Zarathustra taught about Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord), emphasizing truth, righteousness, and the battle against the lie. Jesus taught about a single God, focusing on love, forgiveness, and the fight against sin.

Dualism and Cosmic Battle
Zarathustra’s teachings include a strong element of dualism, with the constant battle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu or Ahriman). In Christian theology, Jesus is often seen as engaged in a cosmic battle against evil, represented by Satan.

Emphasis on Morality and Choice
Both stressed the importance of individual choice and morality. Zarathustra’s teachings revolve around choosing between good and evil, truth and falsehood. Jesus also emphasized moral choices, focusing on love, compassion, and forgiveness.

Eschatology and Final Judgment
Zarathustra introduced ideas about eschatology, including a final judgment where souls are judged for their actions. Similarly, in Christianity, Jesus speaks of a final judgment where individuals are held accountable for their lives.

Reformers of Existing Practices
Both were seen as reformers in their time. Zarathustra reformed older polytheistic Indo-Iranian religious traditions, while Jesus is seen as reforming aspects of Judaism, emphasizing a personal relationship with God and the spirit of the law over strict adherence to the letter.

Messianic Expectations
In some interpretations, Zarathustra is seen as a messianic figure who will return at the end of time, similar to the Christian belief in the second coming of Jesus.