Introduction: Gurdjeff and the Fourth Way

Hello, symposiasts. I’m Dr Angela Puca, a religious studies PhD, and this is your online resource for the academic study of magic, esotericism, Paganism, Shamanism, and all things occult.

Today, we delve into the intriguing world of Gurdjieff and the Fourth Way. This is just the beginning, and I’m eager to explore more specific aspects of this topic in future episodes. Your feedback is crucial in shaping the direction of our content, so please leave a comment if you’re interested in delving deeper into this fascinating subject.

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Georges Ivanovich Gurdjieff, a mystic, philosopher, and spiritual teacher of Armenian and Greek descent, was born in the late 19th century (circa 1866-1877; exact year uncertain) in Alexandropol, Armenia – now Gyumri. Gurdjieff’s early years were marked by a profound curiosity about the nature of existence, prompting extensive travels through Central Asia, Egypt, Iran, India, Tibet, and Russia. These journeys were driven by his quest to uncover ancient spiritual wisdom, which he believed had been preserved by esoteric schools and secret societies(Webb, 1980).

During his travels, Gurdjieff encountered a variety of spiritual traditions and teachings, which he later synthesised into his unique philosophical system. This system, which he referred to as the Fourth Way, stands out from the traditional ascetic disciplines of the monk, the fakir, and the yogi, proposing instead a path that integrates spiritual growth with ordinary life.

Upon his return to Russia in the early 20th century, Gurdjieff began attracting followers, including notable intellectuals like P.D. Ouspensky and Thomas de Hartmann. During this period, he began formulating the ideas that would later be central to his teachings.

Key Literary Works

Gurdjieff’s literary contributions are essential to understanding his teachings. His writings are complex, often encoded with multiple layers of meaning, challenging the reader to engage deeply and critically. Key texts include:

“Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson” – Considered Gurdjieff’s magnum opus, this extensive series of allegories frames profound teachings as stories told by Beelzebub to his grandson. The tales explore human life and the cosmos, critiquing human behaviours and societal norms while conveying deeper spiritual truths.

Then we have “Meetings with Remarkable Men” – This book is ostensibly autobiographical, recounting Gurdjieff’s encounters with various significant figures during his early travels. Through their unique qualities and insights, these ‘remarkable men’ (and women) contributed to the formulation of his later teachings.

Then we have “Life Is Real Only Then, When ‘I Am'” – The third series, published posthumously, offers more direct insights into Gurdjieff’s thoughts and methods. It is here that Gurdjieff discusses his own spiritual realizations and the practical aspects of his teachings.

Together, these works provide a narrative of Gurdjieff’s spiritual journey and pedagogical approach and challenge the reader to engage with his philosophy in a manner that demands active participation and critical reflection.

The Fourth Way: An Esoteric Tradition

Now let’s explore the Fourth Way, The esoteric tradition that stems from Gurdjieff.

The Fourth Way, also known as “The Work”, is presented as a path to a spiritual awakening that diverges from the traditional paths commonly found in religious and esoteric traditions. Unlike the ways of the fakir, the monk, and the yogi, which emphasise physical, emotional, and mental development, respectively, the Fourth Way seeks to develop these three faculties simultaneously and harmoniously within the conditions of ordinary life.

The Nature of the Fourth Way

Now, let’s look at some of the elements of the Fourth Way.

One is Integration with Everyday Life: The Fourth Way does not require a retreat from the world. Instead, it demands active engagement with daily responsibilities and relationships as a means of achieving self-awareness and self-transformation.

Also, there is Balanced Development. Followers of the Fourth Way work towards a balanced development of the body, emotions, and mind, which Gurdjieff believed were often developed unevenly in other spiritual traditions. This holistic approach is thought to prevent the inner fragmentation that hinders spiritual growth.

Self-Remembering

The concept of ‘self-remembering’ is central to the Fourth Way. It is an ongoing attempt to maintain awareness of one’s own presence and existence, a form of mindfulness that encompasses conscious awareness of one’s physical state and mental processes.

This practice is intended to counteract the mechanical nature of habitual actions and thoughts, leading to greater mindfulness and freedom from unconscious impulses.

Gurdjieff’s Cosmology  

Gurdjieff’s cosmological framework describes the universe as a hierarchy, extending from the absolute down to the level of the moon, which he refers to as the ‘Ray of Creation’. Each level of this hierarchy is governed by specific laws and humanity’s place within this schema is seen as both a product and a participant of cosmic laws.

Fundamental to Gurdjieff’s view of the cosmos is the Law of Three, which states that every phenomenon arises from three independent forces—affirming, denying, and reconciling. This triadic principle is key to understanding how change occurs in the universe and within oneself.

Gurdjieff’s Esoteric Practices

Gurdjieff introduced a variety of practical exercises and activities, which he collectively termed “The Work”. These practices are intended to disrupt mechanical living patterns and enhance the practitioner’s capacity for self-observation and intentional action.

The Movements or Sacred Dances

Another important aspect of Gurdjieff’s practice, beliefs, and philosophy is the importance of movement and sacred dances.

The Movements are a series of complex choreographed dances that Gurdjieff developed. They require great precision and attention and are intended to bring about a state of inner unity and heightened consciousness through the simultaneous engagement of body, emotions, and intellect.

These dances are not merely physical exercises but teaching tools that mirror larger cosmic laws and principles. Through their exacting nature, participants experience firsthand the necessity of harmonious operation among their physical, emotional, and cognitive faculties.

Music and Its Esoteric Significance

Music, with its esoteric significance in Gurdjieff’s teachings, is not just a companion to the Movements. It is a powerful tool for spiritual exploration. Gurdjieff collaborated with the composer Thomas D Hartmann to create music that resonates emotionally and complements the Movements. This music, often complex and emotionally charged, is designed to evoke deep contemplation and insight, fostering a profound connection with the self and the spiritual realm.

Function in The Work: The music associated with Gurdjieff is not just background or performance art; it is integral to the practice of The Movements and is believed to facilitate deeper internal connections and spiritual realizations.

Group Work and Meetings

Gurdjieff also emphasized the importance of group work as a mirror for one’s own behaviours and as a crucible for inner change. Regular group meetings involve discussions, shared tasks, and collective meditations, which are vital for confronting habitual patterns and fostering mutual support and understanding among practitioners.

In the group setting, Gurdjieff often took on the role of a spiritual director, challenging and guiding his students through direct confrontation and insightful dialogue. This dynamic is crucial for catalyzing personal transformation and ensuring that students do not merely adopt new ideas superficially but integrate them deeply.

Key Philosophical Concepts in Gurdjieff’s Teachings  

As we delve deeper into Gurdjieff’s teachings, it becomes clear that they are permeated with certain key philosophical concepts that underscore his views on human potential and spiritual development.

The Concept of ‘Sleep’ and Mechanical Living

One of these key concepts is the one of’ Sleep’ and Mechanical Living.

Gurdjieff taught that most humans live in a state of sleep, mechanically reacting to external circumstances without awareness. This ‘sleep’ denotes a lack of conscious presence and autonomy.

The aim of The Work is to awaken from this sleep and become conscious of oneself and one’s greater potential. This awakening is gradual and requires persistent effort and honest self-observation.

Intentional Suffering and Conscious Labor

Gurdjieff introduced the concepts of Intentional Suffering and Conscious Labor as means to transcend one’s mechanical nature. Intentional suffering involves embracing difficult experiences as opportunities for growth, while conscious labour refers to the effort to act from a state of self-awareness rather than habit.

Legacy and Influence

Georges Gurdjieff’s teachings have permeated various aspects of contemporary spiritual movements through the efforts of his notable students, such as P.D. Ouspensky, Jeanne de Salzmann, and Thomas de Hartmann. These disciples have been instrumental in perpetuating and expanding upon his work, establishing Gurdjieffian schools and active groups across Europe and North America. His influence is also evident in integrating his concepts into modern practices emphasising mindfulness and holistic development.

Despite this, Gurdjieff’s methods and secretive teachings have also been criticised, particularly the opaque and hierarchical structure of his groups and the demanding nature of his practices.

Summary

As we conclude our exploration of Gurdjieff’s teachings, we reflect on his life, the development of his Fourth Way, and his core philosophical and practical teachings. Gurdjieff’s methodologies, including The Movements, his use of music, and the structured group work, are designed to awaken individuals from the state of ‘sleep’, the mechanical living that he argued most people unconsciously endure. His teachings challenge followers to engage in intentional suffering and conscious labour, processes aimed at fostering self-awareness and spiritual growth.

The depth and complexity of Gurdjieff’s teachings make them challenging and transformative, requiring continuous engagement and critical reflection to fully appreciate and apply. His ideas about conscious living and self-observation remain relevant today, resonating with contemporary societal challenges and the search for meaning in an increasingly complex world.

Gurdjieff’s work prompts ongoing dialogue about the role of spiritual development in modern life, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of esoteric traditions.

In closing, Gurdjieff’s legacy is a testament to the enduring appeal of his philosophical system and its capacity to adapt to and address the existential questions of any era. His writings, secondary analyses, and scholarly critiques provide a rich field of study for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy, spirituality, and practical living.

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REFERENCES

Azize, J. (2012). Gurdjieff’s Sacred Dances and Movements. In Handbook of New Religions and Cultural Production (pp. 297-330).

Azize, J. (2019). An overview of Gurdjieff’s ideas. In Gurdjieff: Mysticism, Contemplation, and Exercises. Oxford Academic.

Nicholls-Parker, J. (2014). Self-remembering: Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff (1870-1949) & his legacy. Victoria University of Wellington.

Sutcliffe, S. J., & Willmett, J. P. (2020). ‘The Work’: The teachings of G. I. Gurdjieff and P. D. Ouspensky in Russia and beyond. In C. Emerson, G. Pattison, & R. A. Poole (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Russian Religious Thought. Oxford University Press.

Webb, J. (1988). The harmonious circle : the lives and work of G.I. Gurdjieff, P.D. Ouspensky, and their followers. Thames and Hudson.