Letter from the General Secretary - December 2013

- Arie van Ameringen

Dear Friends,

Climbing up the steep path towards the Goetheanum in November, one is taken by the surrounding natural landscape. Even though the fruit trees have already lost their leaves, the grass is green and there are still flowers. And the cows grazing with their young add to the charm of the rural setting. But at a certain point along the footpath leading to the west entrance (lined with the boundary stones which date from the time of the first Goetheanum building) one suddenly catches sight of an immense crane more than 70 meters in height rising above the roof on the east side – a clear sign that the repair work on the roof is well underway. And once inside the Goetheanum, at certain times during the day, a deafening, dizzying sound of jackhammers can be heard coming from the south side of the building.

Repair and renovation work at the Goetheanum

During the meeting of the Executive Committee with the sections leaders and general secretaries, we were invited to tour the worksites. We were reminded of the fact that the repair work was originally undertaken for safety reasons: worn-out slate tiles dating from the 1920s and dangerous backstage equipment.  

In the great hall, the rows of seats and the proscenium area were covered with sheets of plastic. In the back, some fifty workmen on scaffoldings were busy dismantling walls and tearing up flooring. The repair work had to be temporarily halted when a layer of asbestos was discovered in the metal fire curtain installed on the stage; rectifying this situation will require meticulous attention. The stage area will undergo a profound transformation, including the creation of an orchestra pit capable of accommodating as many as 70 musicians. There are also plans to create in the west entry hall area a space more suitable for receiving visitors, since the present Wanderhalle is not fully adequate. On either side of the west entrance there are outside staircases which lead to the terrace but are closed off by fencing and not used. Incorporating this space into the inside of the west entrance will allow a large reception area to be built.

There are still serious decisions that remain to be made. Should the present location for the statue of the Representative of Man be rearranged to create a space for the work of the School for Spiritual Science by adding seating? Should the sculpture be relocated? Should a room reserved exclusively for the work of the School be built in the south wing in the space freed up by the renovations being made to the stage area?

The General Secretaries’ meeting

During the week of November 5^th, Constanza Kaliks began our series of meetings by giving a brief introduction on the theme of the year: The “I” recognizes itself – aspects of the laying of the Foundation Stone.  She recalled how human beings have entered progressively deeper into their relationship with matter since the fifteenth century; we live in a man-made world that has caused us to completely forget the spiritual world. 

Since the 19^th century, it has become possible for human beings to think the “unimaginable” (thoughts for which we have no images), initially in the field of mathematics, but now also in other domains. More and more, the awareness of the Self is being awakened through the fact that it is recognized by another human being. The world is now perceived as a whole – exchanges through modern media technology facilitate proximity and overcome the obstacle of physical distance. Are we able to say “yes” to the world (Weltbejahung)? To what extent do we find this affirmative openness to the world in anthroposophy? In the Leading Thoughts of November 16, 1924, Rudolf Steiner gives us an image of Michael as a being who affirms himself throughout the ages and by so doing affirms the world by bringing the forces of the cosmos.

We discussed various topics such as: communications, the General Anthroposophical Section, the staging of Faust in 2016, and the planning for the upcoming “members’ day”. A quite unusual but highly pleasant event took place: a “word café” style meeting with members of the Agricultural Section. This entailed a series of face-to-face encounters with individuals who did not know each other engaging in free conversation on specific topics, and it turned out to be a very cordial experience.

The Goetheanum is seeking to strengthen collaboration between the School for Spiritual Science, the Anthroposophical Society and the work done in the various fields of everyday life. In what ways can one become competent in these fields of endeavour? Where is Anthroposophy active? Where are the sources (of inspiration) to be found in the various areas? How can we build anthroposophy?

The members’ meeting at the Goetheanum (November 8^th and 9^th) took place in an atmosphere of transparency and honest exchange. Three main topics were taken up: a) how to enter into conversation when holding opposing points of view on anthroposophy; b) the question of the rearranging of the interior space of the Goetheanum building; and c) the critical edition of the works of Rudolf Steiner.

Other events 

There is now a study group in Quebec City that has been meeting regularly since March. This group is carried primarily by Louis Casgrain. This is quite good news, because for years now several small initiatives have emerged in the city but have not lasted. We are hopeful that this initiative will bear fruit in this the oldest city in North America (founded in 1608). I shall have the opportunity of meeting with the members of this group very soon.

At the end of January, the Council and Class Holders will meet in Toronto to contemplate aspects of the laying of the Foundation Stone in 1913, the Fifth Gospel, and the question of the General Anthroposophical Section. The council is looking forward to meeting with local members on the evening of Thursday, January 23^rd.

 Until then, may the Holy Nights be inspiring and fulfilling for you.

Arie van Ameringen

General Secretary

Mot du Secrétaire général

- Arie von Ameringen

Chers amis,

Si l’on monte à pied le chemin escarpé qui va vers les Goethéanum, on peut être frappé par l’environnement naturel qui se présente à nos yeux, et au début de novembre, il y a encore des fleurs et l’herbe est verte même si les feuilles des arbres fruitiers sont tombées; la présence des vaches avec leurs petits ajoute une petite touche champêtre.  En empruntant l’allée bordée de bornes (qui date du premier Goethéanum) qui mène vers l’entrée ouest, on aperçoit tout  à coup, s’élevant au-dessus du toit côté est, une immense grue de plus de 70 mètres de hauteur, signe que les travaux du toit ont bien commencé. En entrant, au Goethéanum, on peut entendre à certains moments de la journée, du côté sud, des bruits intenses et étourdissants des marteaux-piqueurs. 

Les travaux au Goethéanum

Lors de la rencontre, des membres du comité directeur, les responsables des sections et des secrétaires généraux, nous avons été invités à visiter les travaux en cours.Il faut se rappeler qu’à l’origine les travaux ont été entrepris d’abord pour des raisons de sécurité : tuiles d’ardoise (qui datent des années 20) usées et machinerie dangereuse sur scène.

Dans la grande salle, les rangées de chaises et l’espace du rideau de scène étaient enveloppés de couches de pellicule de plastique. Derrière, une cinquantaine d’ouvriers étaient affairés sur d’immenses échafaudages à démolir certains murs et planchers.  Mais les travaux ont été retardés par la découverte d’une couche d’asbestes dans la paroi coupe-feu en métal de la scène, ce qui implique un démantèlement avec la plus grande minutie. La scène va subir une profonde transformation, par la création d’une fosse d’orchestre en avant-scène qui pourra accueillir éventuellement jusqu’à 70 musiciens.  Il y a aussi le projet de créer -dans l’entrée ouest — un vrai espace d’accueil réservé aux visiteurs, car l’actuel, dans le Wanderhalle, est moins convivial.  . À l’extérieur de l’entrée ouest, de chaque côté, des escaliers (fermés par une grille) mènent vers la terrasse lesquels ne sont pas utilisés. Cet espace, incorporé à l'intérieur, pourrait permettre de créer un grand hall d’accueil.

Des questions importantes ne sont pas cependant encore résolues. Doit-on réaménager le lieu actuel pour le représentant de l’humanité en mettant des chaises pour le travail de l’Université de la Science de l’esprit? Est-ce que la sculpture peut être localisée à un autre endroit? Ou doit-on construire une salle réservée à l’université de la Science de l'esprit dans l’aile sud, espace dégagé en raison du réaménagement de la scène ?

La rencontre des secrétaires généraux

Au début des réunions, lors de la semaine du 5 novembre, Constanza  Kaliks a fait une courte introduction en lien avec le thème de l'année: « ‘’ Le Je se reconnaît" — dimensions de la pose de la Pierre de fondation ». Elle nous a rappelé comment l’être humain est entré progressivement dans la matière depuis le XVe siècle; nous vivons dans un monde créé par l’homme, ce qui veut dire que le monde spirituel est complètement oublié. Depuis le XIXe siècle, l’inimaginable peut-être pensé, d’abord en mathématique, mais également dans d’autres domaines. De plus en plus, la conscience du moi s'éveille par la reconnaissance de l’autre. Le monde est maintenant perçu comme un ensemble.  Malgré la distance entre les gens les échanges par les médias modernes favorisent la proximité. Est-ce que nous sommes capables de dire oui au monde (Weltbejahung) et jusqu’à quel point trouve-t-on cette attitude d'affirmation au monde en anthroposophie? Dans les lignes directrices du 16 novembre 1924, Rudolf Steiner nous rappelle une imagination de Michael, qui à travers les âges s'affirme et de ce fait s'affirme envers le monde en y amenant des forces de l'univers.

Nous avons abordé plusieurs sujets tels, la communication, la section d'anthroposophie générale, le projet de monter Faust sur scène en 2016 et la journée de consultation avec les membres. Un événement fort agréable mais inusité s'est offert: nous avons pu rencontrer des membres de la section d’agriculture et nous nous sommes adonnés au « word café ». Il s’agit d’un exercice faisant appel à un jeu de rencontres entre inconnus afin de converser librement sur des sujets spécifiques. Ce fut un moment d'échanges cordiaux avec les agriculteurs.

Le Goethéanum veut renforcer davantage le travail en commun entre l’Université de la Science de l’Esprit, la Société anthroposophique et les activités dans les différents domaines de la vie. Comment et de quelle manière peut-on devenir compétent dans les différents domaines de la vie pratique? Où l’anthroposophie est-elle active? Où sont les sources (d’inspiration) dans les domaines de travail. Comment construire l’anthroposophie?

La rencontre  avec les membres, au Goethéanum, les 8 et 9 novembre, s'est faite sous le signe de la transparence et de l'échange. Trois sujets ont été abordés principalement: a) comment échanger sur des points de vue opposés en anthroposophie, b) la question sur le réarrangement de l'espace intérieur du Goethéanum et c) l'édition critique des œuvres de Rudolf Steiner.

D'autres événements

Il y a maintenant un groupe d'études dans la ville de Québec qui travaille régulièrement ensemble depuis mars. Le groupe est porté principalement par Louis Casgrain. C'est une bonne nouvelle, car pendant plusieurs années des petites initiatives ont vu le jour, mais n'ont pas persisté. On espère que cette initiative portera des fruits dans la plus vieille ville de l'Amérique du Nord (fondée en 1608). J'aurai l'occasion prochainement d'y rencontrer les membres.

À la fin de janvier, le conseil avec les lecteurs de Classe vont se réunir à Toronto pour approfondir des sujets en relation avec la pose de la Pierre de fondation, le 5e Évangile et la section générale d'anthroposophie. Le conseil aimerait aussi rencontrer les membres de l’endroit dans la soirée du 22 janvier

D'ici là, je vous souhaite des Nuits Saintes inspirantes et fructueuses,

Arie van Ameringen

Secrétaire général

Impressions from the Ontario Member's Meeting, 30 November 2013

- by Treasa O'Driscoll

Forty members of the Anthroposophical Society in Canada gathered at the Christian Community Church on the outskirts of Toronto on November 30. The time had come for a collective review of the Society’s statement of purpose. (See text at the end of this article.)  Drafted in 1953, the original incorporation document was signed by Isabel Grieve, Elsie (Whitehead) Andress and Erna Schon, the occupation ascribed to all three was that of housewife.

One can only guess at the vision and timeliness of their united front. John A. McDonald’s retrospective remark about the shaping of the Canadian Constitution might well be applied to these pioneering women:”Destiny being their guide, they ‘builded’ better than they knew.” The flourishing initiatives that have enriched anthroposophical cultural life in Canada owe a debt of gratitude to their enterprise.

And we were there to wonder at it all.....

Council member, Dorothy LeBaron, welcomed us warmly and set a tone of mindfulness as we sat expectantly in a large circle. The statement of purpose was read out and everyone had a chance to share impressions with the person sitting in the next chair. The buzz of talk revealed that there were as many different points of view being aired as there were people in the room. Fortunately we were not striving for consensus! 

Some had worried that we were congregating to substitute one set of words for another but their fears were soon allayed. An intuitive, hands-on approach to the issue at hand was what artist and teacher, Regine Kurek, ever attuned to the music of what happens, had in mind. She would skillfully and lightheartedly conduct our experiment in colour and form in a two-hour process of discovery.

Divided into two groups of twenty, we clustered around large blank pages spread out on tables that stood some distance apart. Regine invited us to bring some vexing situation, private or public, to mind and then, with deliberate brushstrokes, to apply an artistic representation of the problem on the blank page.  When each person had taken a turn it was somewhat startling to note that the overall impression was one of fragmentation, isolation and protest- that accurately reflected the state of our world.

Relief came when Regine suggested we approach the painting with a healing impulse. Silence reigned as the fervour of creativity took hold and a harmonious weaving of colour brought us into closer collaboration, the work transforming before our eyes into a beautiful picture! The isolated ‘I’ had merged into the communal ‘we’!

We then broke into groups of five to reflect on our experience and the light it shed on the statement of purpose and its revision. These were animated discussions in which sympathy and antipathy were permitted to co-exist. We returned to the process accordingly enlivened and resonating with the question:”What is seeking to come forth and how can I serve?”

Step three of the process gave rise to some angst for we were not to rest on our laurels. Group A was now instructed to take the place of Group B and vice versa and both groups were charged with the task of building on each other’s painting. I had great difficulty in carrying out this step - and when I did tentatively intervene my brushstrokes seemed woefully out of place. Perhaps more time was needed for the exercise-our meeting was drawing to a close....

Returning then to Painting A with other group members, I was delighted to observe how complete our picture now appeared. Somebody from Group B was inspired to insert two eyes - one open, one closed - into the centre of the page, its impact reminiscent of The Treeman in the paintings of Bosch. We named the painting, Seen and Unseen. A line from Kathleen Raine afterwards came to mind.....not in the seen but in the seer, epiphany of the commonplace......

I am full of admiration for members of the present council, Mark McAlister, Regine and others working behind the scenes who brought this meeting about. I hope it provided grist to the mill of their further deliberations on the statement of purpose. Dissemination of principles( included in the 1953 document) is obviously not the strong point of a society that has a relatively small membership given its sixty years of existence. However, mutual support and soul nourishment, along with a love of ideas, make for strong connecting links between members as evidenced on November 30^th, 2013.

To sum up - if anybody asks me about the gathering, I will simply say: “It was not about something, it was that something itself! Time seemed to stand still as it ran its course."                                                                                          

Treasa O’Driscoll

www.novalisproject.com

Our Purpose, as stated in the Charter:

a) to promote and foster the study of the science of Anthroposophy and the dissemination of its principles, according to the teachings of Dr.Rudolf Steiner, and thereby to promote and foster the development of human brotherhood and the moral, artistic and cultural life of humanity;

b) to enter into such trust arrangements as may be necessary or desirable to enable the use of the income and capital of such trust fund or funds as may be created by or for the Corporation for the study and propagation of the science of Anthroposophy and the more effective carrying out of the objects of the Corporation.