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

The hottest Substack posts of Journal of Gurdjieff Studies

And their main takeaways
0 implied HN points 02 Dec 22
  1. Our language is subjective and full of wrong concepts, leading to misunderstandings. People unknowingly speak different 'languages' even when using the same words.
  2. For proper understanding, an exact language based on relativity is needed. The new language for ancient knowledge focuses on the idea of conscious evolution.
  3. In the new language, the concept of 'man' is divided into seven levels. Each level represents a different stage of development, from the mechanical 'man number one' to the evolved 'man number seven.'
0 implied HN points 25 Nov 22
  1. In personal development, it's crucial to balance the line of knowledge and the line of being - knowledge without corresponding being development and vice versa can lead to stagnant growth.
  2. Understanding is the combination of knowledge and being, and it is not solely achieved through accumulating knowledge - growth in being simultaneously is essential for true understanding.
  3. People often mistake knowledge for understanding, but understanding involves feeling and sensing, not just knowing with the mind. Finding names for things without truly comprehending them doesn't equal actual understanding.
0 implied HN points 19 Nov 22
  1. The post explores intentional suffering in relation to healing, including how attention can impact the body, activation of emotion, and the concept of suffering with intention.
  2. The discussion delves into how attention and emotion can play a role in the healing process.
  3. There is an examination of the idea of 'intension' in relation to suffering and healing.
0 implied HN points 18 Nov 22
  1. Man doesn't have a permanent 'I,' but rather multiple small 'I's that can change constantly.
  2. People's decisions are often influenced by different 'I's within them, leading to internal conflicts and unfulfilled promises.
  3. Some Eastern teachings use allegorical stories to explain the concept of a fragmented self and the importance of inner unity for true liberation.
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0 implied HN points 11 Nov 22
  1. Man is not a singular entity but a collection of changing 'I's, each with its own characteristics and tendencies.
  2. The evolution of man involves conscious struggle and development of untapped potential, rather than a predetermined, mechanical process.
  3. Individual human evolution is possible through self-realization and growth, but mass evolution is not in nature's interest and may be hindered by external forces.
0 implied HN points 04 Nov 22
  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.
0 implied HN points 28 Oct 22
  1. Acquiring immortality is possible, and known ways can be categorized into the fakir, monk, and yogi paths, each with distinct approaches and challenges.
  2. The fakir's path focuses on physical willpower through extreme physical exercises and sufferings, leading to the development of will but potentially neglecting emotional and intellectual growth.
  3. The monk's path emphasizes faith and unity of feelings, progressing to the development of will over emotions; whereas the yogi's path centers on knowledge and the mind, necessitating mastery over body and emotions to move forward.
0 implied HN points 21 Oct 22
  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.
0 implied HN points 03 May 24
  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.
0 implied HN points 19 Oct 22
  1. Gurdjieff discussed the concept of intentional suffering as a means to regulate health, suggesting a deeper exploration into its nature and benefits.
  2. Intentional suffering may involve a process of going back to the fire, symbolizing reconciliation and transformation.
  3. It is crucial to differentiate between conscious and mechanical suffering, with the former holding significance according to Gurdjieff.
0 implied HN points 14 Oct 22
  1. Knowledge is considered material and limited, so it is concentrated in a few individuals for better results.
  2. The majority of people do not actively seek knowledge or put effort into acquiring it, leading to its distribution among a select few.
  3. Effort is required to attain knowledge, and learning from those who possess it is crucial for acquiring true knowledge.
0 implied HN points 30 Sep 22
  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.
0 implied HN points 23 Sep 22
  1. Gurdjieff emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of being over doing. One must first understand before acquiring new knowledge or skills.
  2. Gurdjieff believed that people are like machines, influenced by external factors, and that true understanding allows one to stop being a 'machine' and take responsibility for their actions.
  3. Gurdjieff highlighted the necessity of speaking the truth after learning and understanding what truth and lies are within oneself. He stressed the significance of studying to be able to speak the truth.
0 implied HN points 16 Sep 22
  1. The reading club delves into 'Fragments' by P.D. Ouspensky's 'In Search of the Miraculous' to discuss elements like group organization and secrecy in teachings.
  2. Gurdjieff's approach involves significant financial contributions from members, self-study, and limitations on revealing teachings to prevent misinterpretation.
  3. The concept of self-knowing, temporary testing conditions, and the importance of understanding oneself before making promises or commitments are emphasized in the group's philosophy.
0 implied HN points 12 Sep 22
  1. The post discusses the impact of a specific chapter in Beelzebub's Tales on the overall book.
  2. There is a mention of drama in the third series, hinting at intriguing story developments.
  3. Access to the full content of the post requires a paid subscription.
0 implied HN points 01 Sep 22
  1. A.R. Orage, a representative of Gurdjieff's ideas in America, gave a radio broadcast about Social Credit on bonfire night in 1934.
  2. Orage seemed to be in pain during the broadcast, which reached millions of listeners.
  3. The post on living long enough is available only for paid subscribers on the journalgurdjieffstudies.substack.com website.
0 implied HN points 23 Aug 22
  1. The post discusses the concept of hypnotising into and out of disease, exploring its implications and applications.
  2. References and quotes related to the topic are provided, offering readers the opportunity to further explore the subject.
  3. Access to the full post and additional resources is available for paid subscribers, adding value and depth to the content.
0 implied HN points 27 Jul 22
  1. When reading in a group, there are specific needs and possibilities that should be considered. Discussing ideas together can enhance the reading experience.
  2. Taking the time to transition mentally before and after reading deep and profound content can help in absorbing and understanding the material better.
  3. Creating a space of intellectual receptivity by temporarily disconnecting from the distractions of everyday life can enrich the reading experience and aid in understanding complex ideas.
0 implied HN points 20 Jul 22
  1. Gurdjieff's medicine is deeply connected to his overall teachings, integral to self-development and health improvement.
  2. Gurdjieff believed in the intertwining of physical health and inner work, emphasizing the importance of knowing both the body and soul.
  3. The laws of seven and three, vibrations, and the materiality of everything were fundamental aspects of Gurdjieff's medicine and teachings.
0 implied HN points 08 Jul 22
  1. Exploring the importance of morning and the moments after waking up for inner growth and work.
  2. Considering the impact of not being a 'morning person' or lacking the childhood habit of waking up early.
  3. Reflecting on the habits and routines around waking up and their potential effects on personal development.
0 implied HN points 07 Jul 22
  1. The post is part of a series about a young physician named Will, set in a cozy cottage at the beginning of a journey.
  2. The scene is described as a cold, wintry morning, contrasting with the warmth of the small, well-lit room where Will and Goodie are gathered.
  3. Access to the full content or subscription is required for further details of the fictional narrative.
0 implied HN points 03 Jul 22
  1. The post discusses the active pursuit and automatic assimilation needed for the desired results.
  2. There is an emphasis on the actions and processes essential for achieving the expected outcomes.
  3. The importance of engaging actively and fully comprehending to attain the intended benefits is highlighted.
0 implied HN points 16 Jun 22
  1. The post is about the second scenario involving the young physician Will, in a series called The Signature (Fiction).
  2. Will is interrupted in his sleep by a patient needing an urgent visit, which adds suspense to the story.
  3. The post is only accessible to paid subscribers, emphasizing exclusive content for those who support the creator.
0 implied HN points 10 Jun 22
  1. The post discusses the concept of anathemas and curses in relation to slugs, worms, and parasites in the inner world.
  2. It mentions the idea of making your tapeworm work for you, suggesting a different perspective on internal struggles.
  3. The content seems to be a part of a paid subscription based on the note that it's for paid subscribers only.
0 implied HN points 09 Jun 22
  1. Gurdjieff's teaching uses slugs, worms, and other creatures to symbolize denying factors in our inner world.
  2. The collision of affirming and denying forces can expose us to harmful vibrations, but there are ways to protect ourselves.
  3. The slimy nature of slugs is used to discuss our dual nature, the hypnotic process, and the need for awareness in dealing with negative energies.
0 implied HN points 05 May 22
  1. Georgette Leblanc emphasized the importance of good health as a primary condition for approaching Gurdjieff and engaging in inner work.
  2. Gurdjieff's approach with Georgette Leblanc involved creating conditions for self-change rather than directly developing her.
  3. Georgette Leblanc found healing and renewed energy through her work on herself and her interactions with Gurdjieff, suggesting a holistic approach to health and personal growth.
0 implied HN points 12 May 22
  1. The post is a work of fiction with influences from Gurdjieff's ideas.
  2. The story involves a young doctor and an old woman with a chest affliction linked to her smoking habits.
  3. Access to the full post requires a subscription.
0 implied HN points 21 Jul 22
  1. The post is part of a series about a young physician named Will who finds himself alone in a strange wood by a river.
  2. In the wood, Will notices that the young plants are mostly poisonous, hinting at a mysterious and potentially dangerous environment.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, indicating exclusive content available for those who subscribe.