George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (c. 1866–1877 – 29 October 1949) was a philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, composer, and a movements teacher. Born in the Russian Empire, he briefly became a citizen of the First Republic of Armenia after its formation in 1918, but fled from there in in 1920, which rendered him stateless. In the early 1920s, he applied for British citizenship, but his application was denied. He then settled in France, where he lived and taught for the rest of his life.
Gurdjieff's philosophy posits that most humans live in a state of "waking sleep," unaware of their true potential and lacking a unified consciousness. His teachings, known as "The Work" or the "Fourth Way," aim to awaken individuals from this mechanical existence through a balanced combination of physical work (like sacred dances and self-observation, emotional work), and mental work). The goal is to develop a unified, conscious self and achieve higher levels of awareness by integrating these different centers of the human being, thereby fulfilling one's full potential.
Key Principles of Gurdjieff's Philosophy
The "Waking Sleep":
Humans operate in a state of automatic, unthinking behavior, much like machines responding to stimuli, without true self-awareness or a unified consciousness.
The "Essence" and "Personality":
Individuals (learned characteristics); Gurdjieff's Work helps distinguish and develop the essence over the dominating personality.
"The Work" / The Fourth Way:
This holistic discipline combines the traditional paths of the fakir (physical), monk (emotional), and yogi (mental) into a unified system.
Self-Remembering:
A core practice of "The Work" involves observing oneself in the present moment, being aware of one's actions, thoughts, and feelings.
The Seven Centers:
Gurdjieff taught that the human being has several "centers" (or "brains") - including instinctive, moving, emotional, and intellectual centers - that need to be developed in harmony.
Universal Laws:
He believed that the same fundamental laws govern the universe and humanity, and by understanding oneself, one can understand the entire world.
Practices and Methods
Sacred Dances and Movements:
These are ritualistic physical exercises designed to bring attention and awareness to the body and its functions.
Self-Observation and Self-Study:
Through diligent, objective self-observation, individuals learn to recognize their own mechanical patterns and unconscious habits.
Inner Struggle:
Conscious effort is required to struggle against desires and impulses that hinder self-development, creating a "fire" that unifies the inner self.
Community and Support:
Gurdjieff established communities and schools where people could support each other in practicing "The Work" and fostering collective growth.
Symbolic Writings:
Gurdjieff's complex texts, such as *Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson*, use allegories and coded meanings to encourage readers to engage in a conscious effort to find deeper truths.