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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Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.243-249 - Reading Club posting 44

0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Life Stories Personality Truth
  1. Understanding sincerity in personal interactions is crucial; being genuine and truthful is challenging but essential for personal growth.
  2. Recognizing different types of people around us can aid in understanding human behavior; studying types requires self-awareness and observation.
  3. Distinguishing between 'personality' and 'essence' is complex; it involves uncovering true characteristics and shedding borrowed traits.

The Cerebellum or Centre #4

0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Gurdjieff Studies Medicine
  1. The post discusses Gurdjieff's perspective on the cerebellum as a crucial center, supported by references and quotations.
  2. The content seems to be reserved for paid subscribers, indicating a focus on providing exclusive information to a select audience.
  3. Readers interested in exploring more about the topic are encouraged to subscribe to access the full article and references.

Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.238-243 - Reading Club posting 43

0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Religion Esotericism
  1. Individuals have a repertoire of roles they play in different situations; self-knowledge involves understanding these roles and their limitations.
  2. Choosing between a quiet, comfortable life and the discomfort of self-improvement is a crucial decision that requires facing one's own limitations.
  3. To engage in the work of self-improvement, one must experience a level of disappointment in conventional paths and be open to new ideas and approaches.

Fragments, Chapter 11, pp.232-237 - Reading Club posting 42

0 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Inner growth Emotions Energy Connection
  1. Super efforts are crucial for growth: Ordinary efforts do not have the same impact as super-efforts in awakening and growth. Making super-efforts is more beneficial despite potential risks.
  2. Accumulators and energy flow: The connection with the large accumulator through the emotional center is vital for inner growth and higher-level functioning. Yawning and laughter are linked to energy movement and balance in the body.
  3. Laughter and yawning functions: Yawning helps replenish energy in small accumulators, while laughter helps release excess energy. Laughter acts as an antidote to prevent negative energy buildup.
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Fragments, Chapter 11, pp.228-232 - Reading Club posting 41

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 11, pp.222-228 - Reading Club posting 40

0 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Work Self-study Magic
  1. Self-study in groups helps individuals by serving as mirrors to see their faults and recognize the need to awaken.
  2. Groups must work towards a common aim, be sincere with each other, and avoid sharing group teachings outside to keep the work effective.
  3. Members should strive to understand and work on their chief faults, realizing their own nothingness on the path of self-improvement.

Fragments, Chapter 10, pp.199-204 - Reading Club posting 36

0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual teachings
  1. The way to self-discovery starts on a higher level than where life operates, and is about discriminating between influences created within life and those outside of it.
  2. Finding a true guide who is connected to a center beyond the laws of chance is crucial for progressing on the path to self-realization.
  3. On the journey of self-discovery, it's important to be aware of mistaken paths, as they can lead one astray and away from true progress.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.188-193 - Reading Club posting 34

0 implied HN points • 19 May 23
📖 Philosophy
  1. When we remember ourselves, our impressions are intensified, leading to a deeper level of self-awareness and emotional exploration.
  2. Alchemy metaphorically describes the transformation of coarse substances into finer substances in the human body through conscious efforts and emotional transmutation.
  3. By creating conscious shocks and emotional transmutations, the human organism progresses through three stages of evolution, enhancing its capacity for growth and self-realization.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.174-180 - Reading Club posting 32

0 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Spiritual teachings Self-Improvement Mysticism
  1. Matter's properties - physical, psychic, cosmic affecting human functions. Saving energy vital for self-work.
  2. Understanding 'hydrogens' as different substances, cosmic and psychic properties. Relationship between matters in human body and universe.
  3. Importance of conserving energy for self-improvement. Human body as a factory needing optimization for higher consciousness.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.167-74 - Reading Club posting 31

0 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Mysticism Religion Metaphysics
  1. Gurdjieff discusses the concept of the 'ray of creation' and how radiations pass through different octaves in the universe, affecting matters and forces on different planes.
  2. He highlights the organization of matters and forces through twelve triads and the concept of 'points of the universe' representing specific combinations of hydrogens with defined functions.
  3. Gurdjieff explains the relation between density of vibrations and matter, detailing the densities and compositions of different 'hydrogens' in the universe, relating these to the structure of man.

Fragments, Chapter 8, pp.153-9 - Reading Club posting 29

0 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Conscience Morality Christianity Awakening
  1. External considering is important for adapting to others, making life easier, and shows valuing the work.
  2. Buffers are created to reduce internal contradictions, hindering self-awareness and inner development.
  3. Conscience, different from morality, awakens when 'buffers' are removed, leading to understanding of good and evil in the pursuit of conscious evolution.

The Transformation of Air, Our Second Food

0 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-development Holistic health
  1. Gurdjieff believed that air is a form of food essential for self-development, not just for everyday life.
  2. Gurdjieff warned about the dangers of incorrect breathing exercises, emphasizing the risks of intervening without proper knowledge.
  3. Interfering with the automatic process of breathing, which is vital for sustaining life, can lead to harmful consequences.

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

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 15, pp.299-304 - Reading Club posting 54

0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Prayer Christianity Spiritual Practices
  1. Religion is relative and corresponds to a person's level of being. Real religion involves actions, not just thoughts or feelings. Understanding the 'what' and 'how' of religion is crucial for true practice.
  2. Prayer should be learned and done properly for effective results. Different prayers yield different outcomes, and focus and intention matter. Many ancient prayers involve reflecting deeply on each word for true meaning.
  3. Christianity and Christian worship have historical roots from ancient Egyptian 'schools of repetition.' The Christian church was influenced by these schools, where repetition of scientific teachings occurred. Understanding the 'technique' of religion is essential, as well as the forgotten 'how' in practicing religious precepts.

Fragments, Chapter 8, pp.141-5 - Reading Club posting 27

0 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Consciousness Self-awareness Awakening
  1. There are four states of consciousness for man, with most living in the lowest two: sleep and the waking state, but the higher states are where true awakening and self-awareness lie.
  2. Self-remembering or self-consciousness is crucial for real awakening, breaking free from the 'sleep' of everyday life, and seeing things objectively.
  3. Achieving higher states of consciousness and self-awareness requires inner growth, self-development, and often external guidance or help to break the cycle of 'sleep' that most people live in.

Fragments, Chapter 7, pp.135-40 - Reading Club posting 26

0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Faith & Spirituality Science
  1. Understand concepts like the law of octaves deeply rather than just theoretically, to truly see their impact.
  2. The study of inner octaves reveals interconnected vibrations in different worlds, emphasizing the importance of organic life on Earth in channeling forces from planets.
  3. Life's creation and purpose from a cosmic perspective challenge conventional ideas, showing how organic life serves as Earth's sensing and radiating organ in a highly structured universal plan.

Fragments, Chapter 15, pp.310-315 - Reading Club posting 56

0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Esotericism Truth
  1. Humanity can be envisioned as concentric circles, with different levels - esoteric, mesoteric, exoteric, and outer mechanical circle - each with varying degrees of knowledge and understanding.
  2. There are four 'ways' individuals can follow to reach the exoteric circle: the fakir's way, the monk's way, the yogi's way, and a unique, ever-changing fourth way that disappears after the task is accomplished.
  3. True esoteric schools exist but are often disguised within ordinary monasteries and temples in countries like the East, while pseudo-esoteric systems play a crucial role in transmitting the idea of initiation and truth through misleading forms and rituals.

Fragments, Chapter 16, pp.316-322 - Reading Club posting 57

0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Spiritual Practices Mythology Ethics Sacred Texts
  1. The dense vibrations of matter determine its level of intelligence and consciousness. Different creatures have distinct levels of intelligence based on the density of matter and vibrations they possess.
  2. Living beings are classified by cosmic traits: what they eat, what they breathe, and the medium they live in. These traits define their place in the universe and relationships with other creatures.
  3. While beings cannot change their food or the air they breathe due to cosmic laws, they can enhance their evolution by refining the quality of impressions they receive. Evolution is dependent on improving the impressions one takes in.

Fragments, Chapter 7, pp.124-30 - Reading Club posting 24

0 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy
  1. The seven-tone scale in music reflects a cosmic law applied by ancient schools to various vibrations like sound, light, heat, and more.
  2. The law of octaves explains how intervals or deviations in vibrations lead to changes in direction and development forces in various aspects of life.
  3. Life is a constant cycle of development or decline along ascending or descending lines of octaves, with fluctuations, rises, and falls happening throughout.

All Life is a Stage

0 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Self Epistemology
  1. The post discusses the concept that all life is like a stage, implying that our lives are like a performance that we play out.
  2. The content assumes that readers have a basic understanding of fourth way literature, suggesting a specific level of familiarity required for engaging with the material.
  3. Access to the full post is limited to paid subscribers, highlighting the exclusive nature of the content.

Chapter 16, pp.328-333 - Reading Club posting 59

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Beliefs Philosophy
  1. Plans for leaving Russia were discussed after a revolution, highlighting the importance of timing and decision-making during critical situations.
  2. The concept of 'time is breath' was explored, linking the duration of different organisms' lives to periods like sleep and waking, revealing intriguing connections between time and organic life.
  3. A table was constructed to illustrate the relation of different cosmoses, indicating how each cosmos can be seen in relation to one another based on dimensions and time periods.

HOW NOT TO BE BORED

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Essays Psychology
  1. The post discusses 'How not to be bored' and is part of the 'Psychological Essays' series by Orage.
  2. This essay is the third in a series by Orage and requires subscription for full access.
  3. The link provided in the post leads to more articles on Orage's work for those interested in exploring further.

Fragments, Chapter 16, pp.340-345 - Reading Club posting 61

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
📚 Literature Reading club Gurdjieff Studies Book Discussion Cultural observations
  1. Conversations with Gurdjieff touched on the importance of strengthening the feeling of 'I' by emphasizing that it comes as a result of all efforts, and may take time to notice the change.
  2. During challenging times, events that appear to be obstacles can actually lead to valuable insights and growth when viewed from an esoteric perspective.
  3. The journey described illustrates the meeting with Gurdjieff's family, his adaptable nature to various tasks, and the unique cultural setting of Alexandropol where Gurdjieff's family came from, showcasing a mix of Armenian, Greek, and Tartar influences.

Fragments, Chapter 17, pp.351-358 - Reading Club posting 63

0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spiritual Practice Mysticism Self-Discipline Self-awareness
  1. The 'stop' exercise was a key method to break the cycle of automatic movements and postures, helping individuals gain control over their thoughts and feelings as well.
  2. The 'stop' exercise required constant alertness and determination, revealing individuals' commitment to self-improvement and discipline.
  3. The habit of talking was identified as a major obstacle in self-improvement, highlighting the importance of limiting unnecessary speech and actions to progress on the path of self-awareness and awakening.

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

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

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

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, 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 5, pp...., - Reading Club posting 16

0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Metaphysics Spirituality Cosmology Energy
  1. The 'ray of creation' concept explains the growth of the universe from the Absolute to the moon, contradicting common scientific beliefs.
  2. The moon's influence on earth includes feeding on organic life and controlling actions, showing a deep interconnectedness in the cosmos.
  3. Understanding the materiality of the universe involves recognizing different levels of matter and energy, where vibrations play a crucial role in the structure of the world.

Confrontation, contact and blending of functionings

0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Language Understanding Medicine
  1. The post discusses confrontation, contact, and blending of functionings, highlighting the interconnected nature of these elements.
  2. It appears to be a part of a series exploring language, understanding, and medicine, building upon previous articles on abnormality.
  3. The content seems to cater to paid subscribers, suggesting exclusive access to more in-depth discussions and insights.

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.

References and Quotations for January 2023 articles

0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
🚌 Education Quotes
  1. The post provides references and quotations for January 2023 articles related to language, understanding, medicine, confrontation, contact, blending of functionings, the arena, and a confrontative example.
  2. The content is exclusive for paid subscribers, with sections covering various insightful topics.
  3. Paid subscribers can access the detailed articles and further insights on the mentioned subjects.

(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.

Fragments, Chapter 4, pp.77-81 Reading Club posting 15

0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Cosmology Spirituality Existence
  1. Every phenomenon results from the meeting of three opposing forces: active, passive, and neutralizing - the Law of Three.
  2. Understanding the Law of Three helps in self-reflection and grasping the dynamics of change and growth in individuals and groups.
  3. The 'ray of creation' concept explains the formation of worlds and a hierarchy of forces, highlighting our place in the universe.

Fragments, Chapter 4, pp.72-7 - Reading Club posting 14

0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Ontology Aesthetics
  1. Man and all his manifestations are divided into seven categories, from learning based on instincts to objective and practical knowledge
  2. The division of man into different categories also applies to art, religion, and other aspects of life, showing different levels of understanding and expression in each category
  3. The term 'world' can have varied meanings depending on one's perspective, ranging from religious, philosophical, scientific, astronomical views to the concept of 'All' encompassing everything

A New Principle of Language

0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 22
📚 Literature Language Ideas
  1. The post discusses a new principle of language, focusing on making impossible ideas practical.
  2. It leads to further reading on the topics of exactness and inexactness in writing and references specific chapters from a reading club.
  3. The post is available for paid subscribers only, with options to subscribe and sign in if already a subscriber.

(6.)Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY II - ON ADDITIONAL MEANS OF SELF-OBSERVATION, pp.19-25

0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching Self-Observation Imagination Change
  1. Man is not a unity but a multiplicity of 'I's or egos, each taking charge at different moments, leading to a lack of inner unity and harmony.
  2. Self-observation is crucial for realizing that a man is not one but many different people within, and breaking the illusion of a permanent, unchanging 'I'.
  3. The illusion of being one person, fully conscious, and in control of one's thoughts, feelings, and actions blinds a person to their true inner state and prevents inner growth and transformation.