In this valuable lecture Rudolf Steiner speaks with clarity about life after death, and explains how those on the earth can keep a connection with loved ones who have passed on. He describes the conditions in the environment of the dead, the advantages as well as the dangers of connecting with the dead, the importance of the moments of waking and going to sleep, the significance of dying in childhood and old age, and the appropriateness of different types of funeral services.

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.

Why do people have such differing events and circumstances to deal with in their lives? What are the meanings of diseases, illness, accidents and natural disasters? Rudolf Steiner speaks of karma as a dynamic and formative reality which must be understood if we are to understand and fruitfully navigate the course of our lives.