Journal of Gurdjieff Studies

The Journal of Gurdjieff Studies delves into the teachings and practices of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff and his followers, focusing on self-improvement, consciousness, and the interplay between personal development and universal principles. It incorporates discussions on the Fourth Way, essence and personality, conscious suffering, and practical efforts towards achieving a higher state of being.

Self-Improvement Consciousness Gurdjieff's Teachings The Fourth Way Personal Development Essence and Personality Conscious Suffering Universal Principles

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Chapter 17, pp.346-351 - Reading Club posting 62

19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Self-Improvement Mind-Body Connection Control Practices Human nature
  1. Gurdjieff emphasizes the necessity of schools in working on oneself due to man's inability to keep watch on all aspects of himself without assistance.
  2. Man is described as the slave of his body, highlighting the importance of controlling muscular tension and the need for schools to help in this effort.
  3. Control over the body starts with acquiring control over muscular tension, beginning with the relaxation of facial muscles according to Gurdjieff's teachings.

Language, Understanding and Medicine

39 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Language Medicine Understanding Consciousness Healing
  1. Language plays a significant role in understanding and medicine according to Gurdjieff's teachings, suggesting that understanding is dependent on language.
  2. Gurdjieff's exploration of language, human mentation, and understanding is closely linked to his teachings on medicine, hypnotism, and consciousness.
  3. The concept of understanding is viewed as a form of medicine, serving as a harmonizing factor in our lives.

Commentary on Orage's "HOW NOT TO BE BORED"

19 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Literature
  1. The post discusses a commentary on Orage's 'HOW NOT TO BE BORED', emphasizing methods to avoid feeling bored.
  2. The content includes a link to the full story, directed to paid subscribers, highlighting exclusivity for those who wish to access more information.
  3. The post indicates that the information is tailored for paid subscribers, encouraging readers to subscribe to gain full access.

Fragments, Chapter 16, pp.333-340 - Reading Club posting 60

19 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
📚 Literature Reading club
  1. The concept of cosmoses helps understand the laws of the universe; each cosmos has its own laws and intelligence.
  2. The speed and complexity of inner processes in human organisms, from molecules to electrons, hint at remarkable physiological workings.
  3. Applying mathematical formulas like the Minkovski formula can provide insights into the relationship between time and different cosmoses, offering a unique perspective on dimensions and life spans.

Under the Power

19 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Mind Identity Body Connection
  1. When faced with a negative state or fear, we can choose to either not identify with it or will ourselves to face it.
  2. Separating from identification with negative emotions allows for inner growth and the possibility of uniting inner forces through willpower.
  3. Observing bodily manifestations of emotions and intentional relaxation can aid in freeing oneself from identifications and negative states.
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Chapter 15, pp.304-310 - Reading Club posting 55

19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📚 Literature Reading Evolution Consciousness Humanity Philosophy
  1. The evolving part of organic life is humanity, but it seems to be at a standstill, leading to a circular path of progress and downfall.
  2. Humanity can only change its course at certain 'crossroads' or pivotal points, and if these opportunities are missed, changes may become impossible.
  3. While there may be a conscious force working against humanity's evolution, a small group of about two hundred conscious individuals could potentially transform life on earth.

At Sixes and Sevens

19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The post discusses Gurdjieff's perspective on transformation of food and the question of 'Where is the Heart?'
  2. Illustration in the post shows a crow making cheese from a Norwegian picture book for children.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe or sign in for access.

Self-deceptive Imaginativeness

19 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Self-deception Imagination Gurdjieff Studies
  1. The post discusses the concept of 'Self-deceptive Imaginativeness' and seems to require knowledge of core fourth way texts.
  2. The post includes an image of a lion attacking a hunting party atop an elephant, with a reference to Kishangarh, Anonymous ca.1810.
  3. To access the full content and subscribe, the post is meant for paid subscribers of the journalgurdjieffstudies.substack.com.

Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.254-259 - Reading Club posting 46

19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Spiritual Practices Sexuality
  1. Sex plays a significant role in human life, acting as the principal driving force of mechanicalness, but the abuse of sex lies in the wrong function of centers and the borrowing of energy.
  2. Creating a permanent center of gravity is crucial for self-work, starting with valuing the work, school, and understanding the aimlessness of other aspects of life.
  3. The sex center, when functioning with its own energy, can be at a high level of being, ensuring that all other centers operate correctly in their places and with their own energies.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.193-198 - Reading Club posting 35

19 implied HN points • 26 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mysticism Inner Work Evolution
  1. The human machine has multiple centers working with different 'hydrogens,' affecting their speed and functions.
  2. Existence of higher emotional and thinking centers within us, fully developed but disconnected from daily life, can lead to new emotions and thoughts when connected.
  3. Efficiency in regulating and balancing the lower centers is crucial to access and benefit from the higher centers in the human machine.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.180-.... - Reading Club posting 33

19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🚌 Education Philosophy Literature Science
  1. The human organism operates like a factory with three floors: head, chest, and stomach. It needs three types of 'food' - physical food, air, and impressions - for normal existence and growth of higher bodies.
  2. The transformation of substances in the organism follows the law of octaves. Substances from physical food, air, and impressions are converted into finer matters, supporting the growth of higher bodies.
  3. There's a potential to enhance the development of the air and impression octaves by creating an 'artificial shock' at the point where the third octave is usually restricted, often triggered by a specific effort at the moment of receiving an impression.

Commentary on Orage's "HOW TO LEARN TO THINK"

19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Meditation Consciousness Energy Philosophy
  1. The essay 'How to Learn to Think' by Orage focuses on developing concentration and 'thought-power' rather than giving instructions on thinking techniques.
  2. Orage emphasizes the importance of efficiently using mental energy through short concentration exercises, even for just a few minutes at a time.
  3. Rest from active mentation is crucial for mental relaxation and accumulating different kinds of energy, as explained by Gurdjieff and reflected in Orage's teachings.

The Fifth and Sixth Step of the Transformation of Food, and the Question of Exioëhary

19 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Beliefs Practices Religion
  1. Visualizing and imagination are linked to the 'cerebellum' in Gurdjieff's teachings, with interpretations aligning with his writings.
  2. The substances of the cerebellum are described as 'the energy of imagination' and 'the true substance of visualization' that can have real effects.
  3. Centre #4 is seen to hold the potential for fully developed Formal Logic, associated with 'mentation by form' and 'reasoning by ideas'.

Read Again

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.

The Cerebellum or Centre #4

19 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The post discusses Gurdjieff's Medicine and specifically focuses on the Cerebellum or Centre #4
  2. The content seems to be for paid subscribers only, and there are links provided for accessing the full article in the members' section
  3. The post includes an illustration of the brain by Henry Vandyke Carter from Anatomy of the Human Body (1918 edition)

Current list of posts in Fragments Reading Club

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.

Healing Fire - 1

39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching Philosophy
  1. The post 'Healing Fire - 1' is available for paid subscribers only.
  2. There are related posts titled 'Summary for 'Healing Fire 1'', 'Burning', and 'The Fire of Consciousness'.
  3. The image shared in the post features a salamander unharmed in the fire, dating back to 1350.

Introduction and Bibliography

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.'

Fragments, Chapter 8, pp.145-53 - Reading Club posting 28

19 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Self-study Self-Observation
  1. Man has great potential, but it can only be fulfilled when he is awake, not in a state of sleep where illusions mix with reality.
  2. Self-study and self-observation are key for realizing the need for change within oneself and for gaining a deeper understanding of one's true nature.
  3. Identifying with different aspects of oneself and considering external opinions or circumstances can hinder self-awareness and personal growth; freedom comes from separating from these identifications.

Opening to Experience

19 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Experience Meditation
  1. Laying oneself open to experience involves being receptive and vulnerable to new impressions.
  2. The concept of the 'Imaginary I' disrupts our true self-awareness and must be overcome to observe ourselves accurately.
  3. Opening to experience requires embracing discomfort, facing truths, and not losing sight of self-awareness.

Proving the Moment

19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Teaching Experience Reality Consciousness
  1. Experiences can be considered a currency that, when managed wisely, can prolong life. It's about valuing and making the most of each new experience.
  2. To truly understand and experience the unknown, we must go beyond automatic perception. This involves staying present and actively engaging with the moment.
  3. Proving the moment, especially in challenging times, can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. It's like a process of inner roasting that expands our consciousness.

Economising Experiences

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.

Fragments, Chapter 7, pp.116-20 - Reading Club posting 22

19 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Self-awareness Reality Existence Mind-Body Connection
  1. Consciousness is a property that changes, not always present, with different degrees and levels, challenging to define scientifically or philosophically.
  2. Self-remembering is emphasized as a crucial aspect of self-observation, where individuals need to actively remember themselves to truly observe and understand their actions.
  3. Dividing attention between observing external phenomena and focusing on oneself, known as self-remembering, leads to unique sensations and enhanced perception, unlocking rare experiences in everyday life.

Fragments, Chapter 6, pp.111-15 - Reading Club posting 21

19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Self-Observation Habits Emotions
  1. Self-observation involves studying habits by struggling against them, leading to changes and understanding of one's automatic actions.
  2. Struggling against expressing unpleasant emotions aids in self-observation, allowing for self-change.
  3. Gurdjieff's theories highlight the importance of the moving center, the difference between moving and instinctive functions, and the interrelation of different centers in controlling actions.

Ideas and Understanding: The first remedy for abnormality

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.

Exact and Inexact

19 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Historical Art
  1. The post discusses the concepts of 'Exact and Inexact,' potentially exploring precision and accuracy in various contexts.
  2. The content seems to be available to paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to the information shared.
  3. The post includes an image and references for further reading, enhancing the content and providing a richer experience for readers.

Thoughts on the impulse of revenge

19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy
  1. The post discusses thoughts on the impulse of revenge, highlighting a personally meaningful encounter.
  2. The content is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive access to the insights shared in the post.
  3. The availability of full citations and abbreviations in references, along with a link to the introduction and bibliography, suggests a well-researched and informative approach in the writing.

Perception of the sense of Gurdjieff's words

19 implied HN points • 29 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Gurdjieff is known for creating new words, and his unique use of language is a key aspect of his work.
  2. Observers have noted that Gurdjieff's spoken English and French were unique, indicating a distinct style.
  3. To access the full content of this post, subscription is required.

Burning

19 implied HN points • 07 Oct 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Alternative Medicine Medical treatments
  1. Gurdjieff used an unusual medical treatment - treating burns with fire, which is not recommended to try at home.
  2. The concept of treating burns with fire can lead to misunderstandings and raise questions about the practice's efficacy.
  3. The post is available only for paid subscribers, highlighting exclusive content access on the platform.

Going back to Truth

19 implied HN points • 25 Sep 22
⚔ Fiction Fiction
  1. The post discusses fictional scenarios depicting a journey towards 'the hidden kingdom' with elements of Gurdjieff's teachings in a future setting around 2300 A.D.
  2. The scenarios aim to symbolically portray aspects of Gurdjieff's teachings with an emphasis on connection to nature and the use of little electricity.
  3. Access to this post is restricted to paid subscribers, providing exclusive content related to the journey towards truth.

Fragments, Chapter 1 - pp.3-9

19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Gurdjieff Studies Eastern philosophy Spiritual Practices
  1. The author embarked on a journey seeking the 'miraculous' and believed the East held the key to a new reality.
  2. The concept of 'schools' or learning communities for self-development evolved from fantastical to more concrete during the author's travels.
  3. Encountering individuals and ideas related to psychology, chemistry, and mystical practices in the East shifted the author's perspectives on magic and the extraordinary.

"L’Inhumaine" – A Preparation for Meeting Gurdjieff

19 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Film Interpretation Spiritual Journey
  1. The film 'L'Inhumaine' is seen as a spiritual journey of the lover seeking a lofty teaching rather than a story of an inhuman woman being redeemed by love.
  2. The plot of 'L'Inhumaine' showcases a character indifferent to societal norms, symbolizing a seeker on a spiritual path in pursuit of profound knowledge.
  3. Interpreting 'L'Inhumaine' from a spiritual perspective highlights themes of rebirth, the search for hidden truths, and the demonstration of true humanity through sacrifice.

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

0 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teachings Community Life Challenges
  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.

Fragments, Chapter 18, pp.382-389 - Reading Club posting 68

0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reading club Philosophy Workshops
  1. The transition of breathing control from the formatory apparatus to the moving center is crucial and involves three types of breathing: normal, 'inflation,' and breathing assisted by movements.
  2. Gurdjieff's work in Fontainebleau involved intensive mental exercises, studies of rhythm and plastics, and the development of new methods for studying different forms of breathing.
  3. Gurdjieff's departure for America in 1924 marked a significant moment in his teaching journey, resembling his previous departures from other locations and highlighting the global reach of his work.

(5.) Nicoll 1 - Introductory Note and Commentary I - On Additional Means Of Self-Observation - pp.15-19

0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Spiritual Practices Self-Observation
  1. Self-observation involves distinguishing between outer events and inner states in one's life, recognizing how they are interconnected, and working towards the right inner state to respond effectively to external events.
  2. One's inner development and states play a significant role in experiencing and reacting to life events, impacting the capacity to engage positively with external circumstances.
  3. Engaging in self-observation and understanding the relationship between inner states and outer events can lead to a more conscious approach to life, influencing how events affect us and how we can actively shape our experiences through inner transformation.