(the following section is paraphrased from the flaps and post script in the book, Zoroaster- Life and Work of the Forerunner in Persia, Received in the proximity of Abd-ru-shin through the special gift of one Called for the purpose, published by Grail Foundation Press, 1996.)

Bernhardt was born in 1875 in Bischofswerda, Germany, trained in business, and successfully established himself in Dresden. He traveled and wrote travel books, stories, and plays. He resided in New York and London.

Bernhardt was in London when World War I broke out and in 1914 he was interned on the Isle of Man. This seclusion gave him time to reflect, question, and deepen his understanding. He awakened a desire to help humanity. He was released in the Spring of 1919 and returned to Germany.

He began to write "In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message" in 1923.

In 1928 he settled in Austria, Tyrol on a mountain plateau called Vomperberg. Here he continued writing "The Grail Message." Nazis seized power in 1938, ending his work there. He was arrested and exiled to Kipsdorf in the Erzgebirge. He was forbidden any further writing. He died from the effects of his imprisonment and surveillance by the Gestapo.

After the war his family returned to Vomperberg and carried on his work.

Other Writings by Abd-ru-shin published by Grail Foundation Press: In the Light of Truth: The Grail Message, The Ten Commandments of God and The Lord's Prayer, Questions and Answers, and Prayers.

A series of books called "The Forerunner Series" are written by people associated with Bernhardt, who, in his proximity, gained insight and spiritual connections to historical events. They wrote down what they beheld. The series (as of 1996) had published titles on Lao-Tse, Buddha, and Zoroaster. Forthcoming (in 1996) books in this series:Ephesus, The Life and Work of the Forerunner Hjalfdar in Prehistoric TimesMohammed, The Life and Work of the Forerunner in ArabiaFrom Past Millennia; Moses, Abd-ru-shin, Mary, JesusPast Eras Awaken; Volume I; Krishna, Nahome, Cassandra, Mary of Magdala; Volume II; Atlantis, The Realm of the Incas, Abd-ru-shin, Cassandra, Jesus of Nazareth; Volume III Egypt, Nemare, The Pharoahs, Unknown Events from the Life of Jesus, The Apostles