In this volume Steiner concerns himself with the effects that have stemmed from the failure of scientists to examine thinking at the time of the scientific revolution and after. The result of this failure is materialism in human culture which in turn generates a karma: the karma of materialism.

This first volume in Rudolf Steiner's Karmic Relationships series is an essential foundation for the study of the later volumes. In these lectures, Rudolf Steiner gives an overview of the laws and conditions of karma, and goes on to consider the incarnations of Friedrich Nietzsche, Lord Bacon of Verulam, Lord Byron, as well as many others.

In Karmic Relationships Volume 2, Steiner considers individual karmic relationships in history — for example, Marx and Engels — as well karma in human life, the shaping of karma after death, and the 'cosmic form' of karma.

In Karmic Relationships Volume 3, Rudolf Steiner discusses the karmic relationships within the anthroposophical movement, including the predispositions which lead souls to anthroposophy, the two streams within the movement — plus Rosicrucianism, Arabism, Aristotelianism, the Platonists and the School of Michael.

In this fourth volume of the series, Steiner considers the karmic groups of souls connected to Aristotelianism and Platonism, the karma of the anthroposophical movement, as well as the individual incarnations of Ernst Haeckel, Vladimir Solovioff and others. This new edition also includes Steiner's last address.

In this fifth volume of the series, Steiner considers the difference between 'sun karma' and 'moon karma', the influences of Christian and Mohammedan thinking, the transformation of inner human qualities from one life to the next, and much more.

Steiner provides a study of the karma of the anthroposophical movement and society, the spiritual gates of the sun and moon, how these relate to freedom and necessity, and the incarnations of specific individuals and their spiritual allegiances.

In this unique collection of lecture material and writings from Rudolf Steiner, a unique perspective emerges around the aspirations, ventures and ill fate of the Knights Templar. Based on his spiritual perceptions, Steiner speaks of the Templars’ connection to the esoteric tradition of St John, their relationship with the Holy Grail, and their spiritual dedication to Christ. He describes the secret order that existed within the Templars, and the strange rituals they performed. He also throws light on the Templars’ attitude to the Roman Church, and the spiritual forces that conspired to bring about their torture and compelled confessions.

In this selection of lectures, based on his own direct perceptions, Steiner affirms that life continues beyond death. Far from being extinguished, the individual's consciousness awakens to a new mode of reality, and begins a great journey to the farthest expanses of the spiritual cosmos in the company of, and in exchange with, ascending ranks of  spiritual Beings, before ultimately returning, renewed and transformed, to a new physical incarnation.