The hottest Teachings Substack posts right now

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Angels, Dragons, And That Spiritual Monster Truck Rally At The End Of The Opera

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber • 5522 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Beliefs Teachings Community
  1. Revel in the complexity and symbolism of spiritual narratives like the battle between angels and dragons in the book of Revelation.
  2. Reflect on how deception can touch us all, prompting self-reflection on personal biases and misconceptions.
  3. Embrace humility to navigate the battle between good and evil, acknowledging that certainty in righteousness can be more dangerous than blatant evil.

(10.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - MAN IS NOT A UNITY BUT MULTIPLE - pp.36-38

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 79 implied HN points • 19 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Awakening Observation
  1. If a man sees himself as one unity, no internal struggle or growth can occur, preventing change.
  2. Self-remembering is crucial; it involves stopping thoughts and relaxing, leading to a distinct feeling of force entering you.
  3. Practical work involves efforts on different centers: intellectual, emotional, moving, and instinctive, each contributing to self-improvement.

A Magnetic Path

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Beliefs Teachings Healing Guidance
  1. The concept of a magnetic center within a person that guides them towards a certain path is discussed, emphasizing the importance of this internal guiding force
  2. Thomas and Olga de Hartmann's journey towards seeking development and transformation was influenced by a type of magnetism that drew them away from their comfortable life
  3. In the realm of spiritual growth, Maurice Nicoll highlights the necessity of having a 'Magnetic Centre' to start the journey towards self-improvement

(9.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY IV—ON A, B and C INFLUENCES (Part II.) - pp.33-36

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Consciousness
  1. Value and meaning are crucial components in deriving force from self-improvement work. If tasks lack significance, they lose their impact and provide no force for personal growth.
  2. Different levels of humanity exist, evolving from mechanical individuals to conscious beings. Understanding and applying teachings can lead to increased consciousness and positive change.
  3. Work on self-improvement aims to increase consciousness, initiating a journey of awakening. Following instructions, like avoiding identification, can bring about transformative shifts in perception and behavior.

Nicoll 1 - (2.) Letter to Mr. Bush [1.b] - p.4-8

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 99 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Development Personality
  1. Religion focuses on developing essence after personality has been formed, aiming for a passive personality so essence can grow.
  2. Man's development involves three stages: first education through life experiences, formation of personality, and making personality passive for essence growth.
  3. Understanding the significance of essence and personality helps in recognizing the different influences in life and the potential for further development.
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(7.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY III - ON WORK ON ONESELF - pp.25-29

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Consciousness Teachings
  1. Work on oneself should start today, as each day reflects one's life - change requires active effort on a daily basis.
  2. Circumscribe practical self-work to the present day, focusing on observing and changing reactions to daily events.
  3. Insulate oneself from external influences to foster inner growth and development, especially in challenging times like war.

(3.) Nicoll 1 - Letter to Mr. Bush - [2.] - pp.8-11

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Spiritual growth
  1. Maurice Nicoll emphasizes the importance of self-work and self-awareness, highlighting the need to work on oneself with joy and positivity.
  2. The teaching discusses the concept of essence coming from the stars and the importance of being conscious of one's own flaws and working to overcome them.
  3. The letter stresses the beauty and liberation in understanding the work, comparing it to being offered a key to unlock the doors of a prison, symbolizing the opportunity for self-liberation from negative emotions and identifying with one's true essence.

(8.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY IV - ON A, B and C INFLUENCES - (Part I.), p.29-33

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Inner Work Transformation Ancient Wisdom
  1. Understanding the system of teaching involves connecting all its parts and understanding the whole. Every detail of the system is interconnected, requiring real and relative knowledge.
  2. The teachings of self-justification, inner work, and awakening are not new but have roots in ancient ideas. By grasping the deep meaning, one gains emotional force and understanding.
  3. There are two types of influences in life, A and B. A influences stem from worldly matters, while B influences come from spiritual teachings. Recognizing and working with B influences is crucial for inner transformation.

The United States Of You

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 20 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Philosophy Mysticism Teachings Human nature States
  1. States of consciousness include waking, dreaming, and deep sleep, each corresponding to different aspects of the self.
  2. Emotional states can be categorized based on valence and physiological arousal, affecting decision-making and interactions.
  3. Align your physiological, emotional, and motivational states for optimal performance and well-being.

Orage's "Active Mind" - Introductory Thoughts

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Teachings Meditation Self-development Beliefs
  1. Orage's work involves psychological exercises and essays that relate to Gurdjieff's teaching.
  2. Orage's exercises focus on intellectual development through manipulation of numbers and words, observation, and visualization.
  3. Orage's writings explore the relationship between different centers of the brain and emphasize the importance of self-observation in psychological development.

Fragments, Chapter 17, pp.358-363 - Reading Club posting 64

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Exercises Evolution Beliefs
  1. Gurdjieff showed exercises in attention, breathing, and physical movements, emphasizing great knowledge, effort, and help as crucial in the journey.
  2. Physical exercises like breathing techniques and movements were part of the practice, illustrating the importance of extreme fatigue in transitioning control to the moving center.
  3. Different ways of personal evolution were discussed, highlighting the 'subjective' and 'objective' ways, and the value of being a good 'obyvatel' in personal development.

The Pairing of Sensing

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Teachings
  1. Gurdjieff emphasizes the importance of examining his words and gradually piecing together his teachings to truly understand them.
  2. The word 'sensing' is often connected with different terms in Gurdjieff's writings, each pairing representing distinct processes of experience.
  3. Pairings like 'sensing and perceiving' or 'to sense and recognize' highlight specific types of interrelated experiences in Gurdjieff's work.

Read Again

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Studies Teachings Reading Guidance
  1. Gurdjieff's writings can lead to a change in the reader, beyond just theoretical grounding, if read in the right way.
  2. Studying Gurdjieff's secondary literature alongside his own works can greatly enhance understanding of his teachings.
  3. Collecting and examining fragments from different texts can help form a new whole, aiding in the acquisition of real knowledge in various aspects of life.

Current list of posts in Fragments Reading Club

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings
  1. The post provides a list of readings from Ouspensky's 'Fragments of an Unknown Teaching,' with details like chapters and pages covered, offering a structured approach to exploring the material.
  2. The readings cover various encounters and discussions with Gurdjieff and delve into deep philosophical and spiritual concepts, providing a rich insight into their teachings and dialogues.
  3. The post encourages readers to engage with the content, pointing to the 'Fourth Way Reading Club' where individuals can collectively explore and discuss the teachings, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.

Introduction and Bibliography

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Studies Teachings Books Spiritual Practices
  1. George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, the founder of the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man, dedicated twenty years of his life traveling in the East to seek real knowledge and the sense of life.
  2. To delve into Gurdjieff's teachings, background knowledge of his writings and the secondary literature is usually assumed.
  3. Recommended initial preparatory reading includes works like 'In Search of the Miraculous' by Ouspensky and 'Teachings of Gurdjieff' by Nott, followed by Gurdjieff's three series: 'Beelzebub's Tales to his Grandson', 'Meetings with Remarkable Men', and 'Life is real only then, when I am.'

Economising Experiences

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Self-discovery
  1. Economizing experiences can prolong life according to Gurdjieff, who viewed experiences as impressions received and stored, suggesting a link between the quality of experiences and inner development.
  2. Gurdjieff emphasized the importance of being aware during the reception of new impressions to reclaim the birthright of remembering oneself.
  3. There are warnings about the limited time available to receive new impressions and the premature 'unwinding' of experiential 'rolls' which can lead to inner emptiness.

Ideas and Understanding: The first remedy for abnormality

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Teachings Understanding Growth Awareness
  1. Understanding ideas requires more than surface-level knowledge – it involves applying them to life and letting them change us.
  2. Growth in understanding can lead to a sense of normality and unity within us, harmonizing our functions and thoughts.
  3. The concept of the 'law of three' by Gurdjieff suggests that every phenomenon results from three forces, with active, passive, and neutralizing elements.

Fragments, Chapter 14, pp.282-288 - Reading Club posting 51

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Symbolism Knowledge Unity Teachings Philosophy
  1. Symbolism of numbers, geometrical figures, letters, and words: Understanding the right and wrong interpretations of symbols, the union of knowledge and being, and attainment through one's own efforts.
  2. The law of octaves and the symbolism of numbers: Exploring the law of octaves, the significance of the decimal system, and the importance of understanding the unity expressed by numbers.
  3. Various symbolisms and their interpretations: Examining different systems such as magic, alchemy, and astrology, emphasizing the necessity of correctly understanding symbols to avoid misinterpretations and delusions.

Fragments, Chapter 11, pp.228-232 - Reading Club posting 41

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Group dynamics Personal Growth Fear
  1. Struggling against the 'false I' or chief fault is crucial in personal development and must involve actual actions, not just words.
  2. Overcoming barriers in personal growth leads to a point of no return where ordinary life is no longer satisfactory, highlighting the importance of persistence.
  3. The dynamics of group work emphasize mutual responsibility, with success and failure shared among group members, stressing the significance of personal growth within the collective.

Fragments, Chapter 14, pp.293-298 - Reading Club posting 53

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Symbolism Art Consciousness Mysticism
  1. The enneagram is a universal symbol that can contain all knowledge and be interpreted; the ability to use it grants great power, representing perpetual motion and the philosopher's stone.
  2. Experiencing the enneagram through movement is important for understanding it fully, with exercises connected to the 'movement of the enneagram' aiding comprehension and tapping into necessary ideas.
  3. Distinguishing between objective art (where the artist consciously creates and transmits specific ideas) and subjective art (where art manifests 'accidentally') is crucial; objective art needs flashes of objective consciousness and inner unity for proper understanding.

Fragments, Chapter 17, pp.363-368 - Reading Club posting 65

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Philosophy Practice Teachings Spiritual growth
  1. Understanding the true meaning of being serious is crucial, as it involves focusing on what is genuinely significant and not just trivial matters.
  2. Attaining real freedom requires sacrificing the illusion of freedom and being willing to go through the hard path of slavery and obedience.
  3. Observing how people react in different situations based on their types can provide insights into astrology and human behavior.

Fragments, Chapter 8, pp.159-66 - Reading Club posting 30

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Self Personality Payment
  1. The importance of understanding the concepts of truth and falsehood, inner lies, and the necessity of destroying 'buffers' that control actions, thoughts, and feelings.
  2. The significance of distinguishing between one's essence and personality, and the need to weaken the dominance of personality over essence to allow for inner growth and development.
  3. The exploration of will, fate, and accident in life, the impact of 'general laws,' and the requirement to free oneself from personality to create individuality, along with the scrutiny of money's role in spiritual work.

Fragments, Chapter 7, pp.130-5 - Reading Club posting 25

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Spiritual growth
  1. Development involves either ascending or descending in all aspects, including changing moods, feelings, and energy levels.
  2. Understanding the law of octaves helps recognize the moments of 'intervals' and create necessary 'additional shocks' to achieve control and direction in activities.
  3. A school following esoteric traditions can teach the law of octaves, help in creating 'additional shocks,' and guide in understanding the union of the law of seven with the law of three.

Fragments, Chapter 18, pp.375-382 - Reading Club posting 67

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Community
  1. The narrative discussed Gurdjieff's journey during times of warfare and epidemics, touching on the enneagram study, events in Russia, and G.'s opening of an Institute in Tiflis.
  2. The importance of seeking practical solutions during tumultuous times was highlighted, with a personal account of aiming to leave Russia for London due to the unstable political climate.
  3. Personal growth and self-discovery through work on oneself were emphasized, indicating a transformation towards feeling a 'strange confidence' and recognizing a change in one's inner self.

(12.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - SOME THOUGHTS ON THE WAR, Part II and THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OBSERVATION AND SELF-OBSERVATION - pp.45-50

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 03 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Self-Observation Knowledge Reality
  1. Man must overcome violence within himself to avoid contributing to larger conflicts like war. Self-awareness and non-identification are crucial in this process.
  2. Observation and self-observation are distinct: observation looks outward, while self-observation requires looking inward. Self-observation is more challenging but leads to self-change.
  3. External knowledge gained through observation can influence the world around us, while self-observation leads to internal change. Understanding the two realities we live in can transform our perception and actions.

Fragments, Chapter 5, pp.93-98 - Reading Club posting 18

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Rituals Teachings Ceremonies Religions
  1. Different levels of a man's body - physical, planetary, solar, and starry - determine his potential immortality within the solar system.
  2. God's omnipotence explained through a school story - the essence of game rules reflecting the nature of the Absolute and the laws governing life.
  3. Gurdjieff's insights on a universal language highlighting the challenges of understanding and expressing ideas beyond linguistic and cultural barriers.

Fragments, Chapter 5, pp.87-93 - Reading Club posting 17

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Immortality Connection
  1. The nature of matter changes across different worlds with varying densities and speeds of vibrations, leading to seven distinct kinds of matter.
  2. Man is considered a 'miniature universe' containing all the matters of the universe; studying man reveals insights into the world's workings.
  3. The potential for existence after death is intricately linked to the interconnectedness and development of the four bodies of man, each with varying levels of control and immortality.

Fragments, Ch.2, pp.47-52 - Reading Club posting 9

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Evolution Consciousness Belief systems Spiritual Practices
  1. The 'fourth way' teaches unique methods for human development against everyday life's norms and laws.
  2. The fourth way requires understanding, conscious effort, and simultaneous work on physical, mental, and emotional aspects for effective results.
  3. Progress and civilization are questioned as modern life lacks paths like the 'fourth way' to unlock hidden potential.

Fragments, Chapter 2, pp.40-44

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Beliefs Immortality Teachings Religions
  1. Immortality and other qualities are ascribed to people without understanding their full meaning, like individuality and consciousness, which may need great effort to acquire.
  2. According to ancient teachings, man consists of four bodies that evolve from physical to divine, each capable of governing the ones below and acquiring unique knowledge.
  3. Man can reach a state of immortality by developing all four bodies through deliberate effort, leading to properties and powers ordinary men do not possess.

Fragments, Chapter 1, pp.22-28 - Reading Club posting 4

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 30 Sep 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Teachings Art Cosmology
  1. Gurdjieff's teachings focus on the importance of 'facts' and the gradual unveiling of deeper truths, emphasizing the journey over instant revelations.
  2. Gurdjieff discusses the influence of planetary forces on war, viewing conflicts as outcomes of cosmic tensions rather than purely human actions.
  3. Gurdjieff's ideas on art highlight the distinction between subjective and objective art, suggesting that true art is a mathematical, calculated expression that conveys consistent emotions across different levels of perception.

Fragments, Chapter 14, pp.278-282 - Reading Club posting 50

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Symbols Self-awareness Consciousness Spiritual growth
  1. Objective truths can be challenging to explain in ordinary language due to the complexity of conveying unity in diversity.
  2. Ancient methods like myths, symbols, and verbal formulas were used to transmit objective knowledge and higher consciousness ideas.
  3. Understanding and applying the symbolism of duality, trinity, and harmony among the five centers in oneself can lead to transformative inner growth and connection to higher consciousness.

Fragments, Chapter 13, pp.271-277 - Reading Club posting 49

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Inner Work Spiritual growth Sacrifice
  1. Silence can reveal truths and fears: People fear silence, and it can expose lies and discomfort. Being quiet can lead us to recognize lies and truths in our interactions.
  2. Creating an emotional state and the necessity of sacrifice: To awaken and create emotional states, one may need to sacrifice fantasies and suffering. Sacrificing one's own suffering can lead to freedom and the ability to work.
  3. Importance of understanding and explaining concepts: Explaining concepts to others can lead to personal understanding and discoveries. Sometimes, the act of explaining can help uncover new perspectives and connections.