At the heart of the Anthroposophical Society is the School for Spiritual Science, intended to be an esoteric school for spiritual scientific research and study. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner held nineteen esoteric lessons in which he introduced his followers to a series of meditations (mantras), along with instructions and guidelines for their use. This became known as "The First Class Lessons."

After Steiner's death in 1925, the Anthroposophical Society Executive Council (Vorstand) at the Goetheanum began to convey the contents of those lessons to members of the First Class. Leaders in the Anthroposophical Society were assigned this task, and circles of Class holders grew in various cities and countries around the world. Today members of the Anthroposophical Society may become members of the First Class and participate in the instructional lessons.

In this book, the General Anthroposophical Section of the School for Spiritual Science is explored in both its inner and outer aspects. It explores topics that include defining what this Section is; its tasks; steps for joining the School for Spiritual Science; living with questions; understanding ideas as organs of perception; observing one's will; awaking one's heart; and working with the mantras.