Conceito Rosacruz do Cosmos

ou

Cristianismo Místico

  Um tratado elementar sobre a evolução passada do homem, a sua constituição actual e o seu desenvolvimento futuro

por Max Heindel

 CONSULTAR online!

(versão HTML por Fraternidade Rosacruz - Sede Central do Brasil; 1ª edição - língua inglesa: 1909)

4ª ed. impressa, terceiro trimestre de 2005, Portugal - por Fraternidade Rosacruz de Portugal

Lista de Conteúdos

Este livro apresenta um esboço completo dos Ensinamentos da Sabedoria Ocidental até ao ponto em que podem ser tornados públicos no presente tempo. Contém uma descrição compreensiva dos processos evolucionários do homem e do universo, correlacionando a ciência e a religião.

A Parte I é um tratado sobre os Mundos Visível e Invisíveis, o Homem e o Método de Evolução, o Renascimento e a Lei de Causa e Consequência.

A Parte II abarca o esquema de Evolução em geral e a Evolução do Sistema Solar e da Terra em particular.

A Parte III versa sobre Cristo e Sua Missão, o Futuro Desenvolvimento do Homem e a Iniciação, o Treinamento Esotérico e um Método Seguro para Adquirir Conhecimento Directo.

Advertência do autor

Max Heindel in Uma Palavra ao Sábio [prefácio do Conceito Rosacruz do Cosmos]

«Quando uma nova filosofia se apresenta ao mundo, é acolhida de forma diferente por diversas pessoas.

Umas, apoderam-se avidamente de qualquer novo esforço filosófico, procurando ver em que proporção serve de apoio às suas próprias ideias. Para essas, a filosofia em si própria é de pouca valia. Terá valor se reforça as suas ideias. Se a obra satisfaz as suas esperanças, adoptá-la-ão entusiasticamente, a ela aderindo com o mais desarrozado partidarismo; caso contrário, afastarão o livro com aborrecimento, como se o autor os tivesse ofendido pessoalmente.

Outras, adoptam uma atitude céptica, apenas descobrem que a obra contém alguma coisa a cujo respeito nada leram nem ouviram anteriormente, e sobre a qual ainda não lhes ocorrera pensar. E, provavelmente, repeliriam como extremamente injustificável, a acusação de que a sua atitude mental era o cúmulo da própria satisfação e intolerância; todavia, estão neste caso e, desta forma, fecham a mente à verdade que possa estar contida no que rejeitam.

Uns e outros mantêm-se na própria luz. As suas ideias petrificadas tornam-nos inacessíveis aos raios da Verdade.»

«Se, ao ponderar este livro, alguém o considerasse de pouco fundamento, o autor não se lamentaria. O autor teme unicamente o juízo prematuro, baseado na falta de conhecimento do sistema que advoga, ou que se diga que a obra não tem fundamento, sem, previamente, dedicar-lhe atenção imparcial. E deve acrescentar ainda: a única opinião, digna de ser levada em conta, é a que tem, como base, o conhecimento.»

«O Conceito Rosacruz do Cosmos não é dogmático nem apela a qualquer autoridade que não seja a própria razão do estudante.»

«Dizer que esta exposição é infalível, seria o mesmo que pretender que o autor fosse omnisciente.»

«O autor pretende, unicamente, apresentar os ensinamentos mais elementares dos Rosacruzes.»

«A Fraternidade Rosacruz tem a concepção mais lógica e ampla sobre o mistério do mundo.»

«Todavia, tem a convicção de que o Conceito Rosacruz do Cosmos, está longe de ser a última palavra sobre este assunto (...) Ante o exposto, compreender-se-à claramente que o autor não considera esta obra como o Alfa e Ómega, o último conhecimento oculto. Embora tenha por título "O Conceito Rosacruz do Cosmos", deseja deixar consignado que não deve ser tida como uma "crença entregue de uma vez para sempre" pelos Rosacruzes. Deve-se notar que esta obra encerra apenas a compreensão do autor sobre os ensinamentos rosacruzes acerca do mistério do mundo (...)»

«O que nesta obra se afirma deve ser aceite ou repelido pelo leitor, segundo o seu próprio critério.»

 The Source of The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception

 The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception

first edition: November 1909

Certain alterations have been made on tittle page since the publication of the first edition which was entitled CHRISTIAN OCCULT SCIENCE  instead of MYSTIC CHRISTIANITY.  It was dedicated to Rudolph Steiner to whom, as a Teacher, Max Heindel was greatly indebted. Also, just above the message and mission was a quotation from Paul: "PROVE ALL THINGS".

The author, Max Heindel, born Carl Louis F. Grasshoff, was an engineer whose occult interests led him to the Theosophical Society shortly after the beginning of the century. By 1905 he was a theosophical lecturer.

Inspired by the  Elder Brothers of the Rosicrucian Order, he  traveled in 1907  to Germany  with his friend Dr. Alma Von Brandis to hear  a cicle of lectures of  Rudolf Steiner.

Later his meeting with that knowledgeable teacher, in Europe appeared to him several times one whom he described as an "Elder Brother of the Rosicrucian Order". So he could  learn about occult truth from Steiner until he knew enough to be able to be given the rest by the Elder Brothers.  So Steiner's teachings was in between what Max knew from the Blavatsky teachings and  what he received from the Elder Brothers. It was a step that the Elder Brothers knew Max needed so that he could go on further. 

As Max Heindel himself  wrote in his dedication of the first edition of the  Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception he received much valuable information from Steiner, but according the sharp research of Charles Weber the more far-reaching body of Teachings contained in the Cosmo must originate from the Elder Brother, both because Heindel states this and because the Cosmo's has information not otherwise available in the public domain or available without supersensible perception of an advanced degree. 

Returning to the United States, he wrote down what he had been taught and published it as his first book, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception, still the major introductory text of the Rosicrucian Fellowship that he founded. The first center was founded in Columbus, Ohio, but within a few years the centers could be found along the  West Coast from Seattle to Los Angeles. In 1910, while recuperating in a hospital from his recurrent heart condition, he had a vision of the future center on Mt. Ecclesia in Oceanside, California. That center remains the headquarters of the group.

Fonte: The Mystic Light / The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception - International Online Edition

A Critical Essay

Charles Weber in The Mystic and Occult in Max Heindel's Writings

«The Cosmo’s author has “an unswerving desire, a burning thirst for knowledge,” which is “the first and central requisite the aspirant to occult knowledge must possess,” but with this qualification, that “the supreme motive for seeking this occult knowledge must be an ardent desire to benefit humanity” (22). “Another prerequisite to this first-hand knowledge, however, is the study of occultism second-hand” (23). It is the purpose of the Cosmo to make that second-hand study of occultism possible. Occult science is the science of what occurs occultly insofar as it is not perceived in external nature, but in that region toward which the soul turns when it directs its inner being toward the spirit.

Heindel emphasizes the facticity of the Cosmo’s contents and the rigor and objectivity of his sources by using the term occult scientist(s) thirty times and occult science twenty-five times. The occultist (used twenty times) “knows” and “sees” what he is reporting on. “The occult scientist uses concentration in preference to prayer because the former is accomplished by the aid of the mind, which is cold and unfeeling, whereas prayer is usually dictated by emotion” (463). That is, concentration is more impersonal, and therefore more reliable. However, when emotion is replaced by a mystic’s “pure unselfish devotion to high ideals, prayer is much higher than cold concentration” (ibid).»

Fonte: The Mystic and Occult in Max Heindel's Writings

Customer Reviews

This book is in a class of its own--a life-altering read!, February 24, 2003

The "Cosmo" is a book I first encountered in a public library in Wichita, Kansas in 1974, and it is an event that I shall never forget. It is not an exaggeration for me to say that the concepts in this book have truly changed my life, although at times it has not made life especially easy. Max Heindel presents a "grown-up" version of Christianity that takes much thought to grasp, but is well worth the effort.

In the centuries to come, Max Heindel will be recognized as one of the giants of the 20th century, along with Einstein and Martin Luther King, and it will be sad commentary upon the benighted nature of the last century that so few have thus far reaped the rewards of his written legacy.

If religion were equated with mathematics, church Christianity may be likened to basic arithmetic, and Rosicrucian Christianity may be likened to advanced calculus.

Reading the "Cosmo" for the first time is one of the most intellectually exhilarating experiences life has to offer.

Not An Easy Text...But Intriguing, May 1, 2002

This book was written by Max Heindel, the founder of the Rosicrucian Fellowship of Oceanside, California--a group which is still quite active today. This is Heindel's own unique Rosicrucian philosophy; it is not the Rosicrucianism of the AMORC or any other group currently labeling themselves Rosicrucians. One must eventually put aside the pointless quibbling as to which group harbors the "real" Rosicrucianism (because every group will give a differing viewpoint) and ask a much more relevant question: does the philosophy WORK? Heindel's philosophy has worked for a great many people, and this book is considered by many to be his magnum opus. Heindel's brand of Christian Rosicrucianism doesn't work well with traditional mainstream Christianity. He introduces into basic Christian theology various occult concepts, not to mention a strong dose of astrology. These viewpoints will be interesting to students of esoteric Christianity, but will doubtless seem like heresy to the average Fundamentalist Christian. This book outlines Heindel's worldview, and it's very complex. This is not easy reading. People accustomed to fluffy pop occultism and "how-to" texts that can be devoured in a single sitting will be disappointed. This is rather intense, intellectually engaging material. Some readers will find many of Heindel's assertions hard to believe. Others will delight in his complex views of humanity and the various worlds through which mankind travels. This book contains material on the visible and invisible worlds, human evolution, rebirth, nutrition, the mission of Christ, occult analysis of Biblical texts, the fall of man, the law of consequence, animal spirits, esoteric training, and a great many other topics. There is SO much to study here, in fact, that it seems almost daunting. Still, many people do study this book, and many have reported benefiting from it. The book isn't for everyone. It's not a quick, easy self-help book. The dryness of the text can be a bit of a problem for some. Remember, though, that the first edition was printed in 1909 and has changed little (if any) since then. Some of the science will seem outmoded and some of the social commentary (for instance, on matters of race) may seem hopelessly dated, as well. Still, it's an interesting book, on the whole, and if you can stick with it, you might end up learning something.

The Cosmo: A way to understand our Universe, October 23, 2000

This book has an answer to those souls who haven't find it whether in physical sciences or in traditional religions. Max Heindel shows to the world, as he received them from The Rosicrucian Order's Elder Brothers, the teachings of a higher philosophy; teachings that speak to us of our relationship with God, our human fellows, and the meaning of our existence in Earth. I personally found this book a precioushelp to understand how my destiny is a result of my own acts, since the "Law of cause and effect" taught by The Rosicrucian Fellowship, and how we can change our destiny, changing our lives and the way we approach it. This book can change your life. My advice: take a look... you may find it fascinating too.

In fellowship,

Gustavo
 

Absorbing. Requires an open mind, August 23, 2002
 

I found this book forty year ago in the library of my old math professor. I became a scientist and an author.  This book has giving me so much light and inspiration.

Outstanding Book., February 16, 2002

This books written by Max Heindel, who was an Initiate of the Order of the Rosicrucians and founder of The Rosicrucian Fellowship in 1919, is the most complete resource for occult teachings.Above all the Fellowship is a Christian organization, and it follows Christ, preaching the gospel and healing the sick.

What is Man?, March 2, 2000

This is the book for us all (humans!). Who are we? Whence do we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? What are we going to do with ourselves to be IT (I AM)? This book is very difficult to read from the beginning. But as you read and "re-read" and you put what you have read into practice, Ah! you will see the LIGHT. This book is not meant to be read lightly. That is, do not read it to simply obtain knowledge. If you simply want to obtain knowledge or intelligence only, you will be very disappointed. If in wisdom, you will find joy more abundantly. It is your life. Put your life in good use and you will be IT. This book reveals the true man and his journey through involution, evolution and epigenesis. This book also reveals the latent potentials of man and how man can transmute his latency into dynamic powers. This book authored by Max Heindel furthermore reveals the true Rosicrucians and their mission to help man. It has been once said that: "for, each step we take to acquire knowledge, we must take three extra steps to improve our character." This book was written with the help of the ROSICRUCIANS to present to the Western World the Mission of the Christ and it is therefore a must for all Christian sects, especially the priests, ministers and the like to read this book. This a book we must all read.

An essential, unique resource for your metaphysical library., September 24, 1998

This book deals with many esoteric topics, including metaphysical physiology and cosmology, and a history of the evolution of the human soul from before awareness, before form, through various incarnations of our planet on various planes, to eons in the future. Compared to this understanding, time lines of the great Yugas (240 million-year cyles) are but a blink of the eye. Laggard souls, and animal and mineral life waves, each experiencing their various points in evolution in different planes and conditions, account for the myriad of lifeforms and types of consciousness on this planet. The book also deals with the nature of the Christ, of Yahweh, and of other aspects and divisions of God and Divine offices.

In an attempt to bridge to the understandings of the readers at the time this book was written, the author references some medical and physical concepts that no longer ring true today. But after you work through those difficulties, you will see the vast concepts that he is trying to convey.

The author, Max Heindel, is an ascended master.

Fonte: The Mystic Light / The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception - International Online Edition

página electrónica publicada por rosaecruz@sapo.pt como página dependente do site in Os Mistérios Rosacruzes