George Gurdjieff, Russian-French mystic and philosopher (d. 1949)

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (born in Alexandropol, Russian Empire, now Gyumri, Armenia, in a year widely debated as either 1866 or 1877, and who passed away on 29 October 1949) was a profoundly influential and enigmatic figure, recognized as a Russian philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and even a composer. Of Armenian and Greek descent, Gurdjieff's unique background in the diverse cultural crucible of the Caucasus region deeply informed his revolutionary approach to human potential.

At the core of Gurdjieff's teachings was a radical assertion: he contended that the vast majority of humans do not possess a unified or coherent consciousness. Instead, he argued that individuals typically live their lives in a state he termed "waking sleep"—a largely mechanical or hypnotic existence driven by conditioned responses, external influences, and unconscious patterns, rather than genuine awareness or intentionality. This state, in his view, prevents people from accessing their true capabilities and experiencing life authentically.

However, Gurdjieff offered a transformative path, asserting that it is indeed possible to awaken from this profound "sleep" to a higher state of consciousness. This awakening, he taught, is the key to unlocking one's full human potential, leading to genuine self-awareness, inner freedom, and a more integrated, conscious way of living. He meticulously described a practical method designed to facilitate this profound internal transformation, which he referred to as "The Work" or simply "the System." This nomenclature itself is significant, as "The Work" profoundly connotes a deliberate, ongoing, and rigorous effort directed towards "work on oneself"—a conscious engagement with one's inner world, habits, and perceptions.

According to Gurdjieff's principles and instructions, his method for awakening consciousness is distinct and comprehensive, uniquely synthesizing the primary approaches of traditional spiritual disciplines. He observed three conventional paths to spiritual development:

• The Way of the Fakir: Focused primarily on mastering the physical body through extreme asceticism and strenuous physical discipline.
• The Way of the Monk: Centered on developing emotional and spiritual faculties through devotion, faith, and the purification of feelings, often within a monastic setting.
• The Way of the Yogi: Dedicated to intellectual and mental mastery through meditation, study, and the cultivation of concentration and introspection.

Gurdjieff posited that while each of these traditional ways offered a path, they were often imbalanced, developing only one aspect of a human being. His own comprehensive approach, which integrated elements from all three while transcending their limitations, he thus referred to as the "Fourth Way."

Understanding The Fourth Way

The "Fourth Way" is not a static religion or a purely intellectual philosophy; it is a practical, esoteric discipline designed for development in the midst of ordinary life. Unlike the traditional paths that often require withdrawal from society or extreme austerities, the Fourth Way emphasizes inner work while remaining engaged with daily responsibilities and relationships. It aims for a harmonious and simultaneous development of the intellect, emotions, and physical body, fostering a balanced individual. Key practices within The Work often include rigorous self-observation, attention exercises, specific physical movements (known as Gurdjieff Movements or Sacred Dances), and the study of Gurdjieff's complex cosmological and psychological ideas, all under the guidance of a teacher or within a dedicated group setting.

Key Aspects of The Work and Gurdjieff's Philosophy:

• Self-Observation: A cornerstone practice involving non-judgmental observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and sensations in real-time, aiming to discern mechanical patterns from conscious responses.
• Levels of Being: Gurdjieff taught that humans exist at different levels of being, corresponding to their degree of inner development and consciousness. The aim of The Work is to raise one's level of being.
• Conscious Effort and Intentional Suffering: These concepts are central to breaking mechanical habits and fostering new states of consciousness, implying a deliberate exertion of will and conscious endurance of difficulties for inner growth.
• Influence and Legacy: Gurdjieff's ideas have profoundly influenced various spiritual, philosophical, and psychological movements, continuing to inspire students and practitioners worldwide who seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the cosmos.

Frequently Asked Questions About G.I. Gurdjieff and The Work

Who was George Ivanovich Gurdjieff?

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff was a Russian philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and composer of Armenian and Greek descent, known for developing a unique system of self-development called "The Work" or the "Fourth Way." He taught that humans typically live in a state of "waking sleep" and that it is possible to achieve a higher state of consciousness.

What is "waking sleep" in Gurdjieff's philosophy?

In Gurdjieff's teachings, "waking sleep" refers to the common human condition of living mechanically, without a unified consciousness. It implies that people operate largely on autopilot, driven by external stimuli, conditioned responses, and unconscious impulses rather than genuine self-awareness or conscious intention.

What is "The Work" or "the System" taught by Gurdjieff?

"The Work" is Gurdjieff's practical discipline for personal transformation and spiritual awakening. It involves a rigorous and conscious effort towards "work on oneself" to develop a unified consciousness and realize full human potential, integrating practices that address the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of a human being.

What is the "Fourth Way"?

The "Fourth Way" is Gurdjieff's term for his unique method of spiritual development. It is called "Fourth" because it distinguishes itself from the traditional three paths—the Way of the Fakir (body), the Way of the Monk (emotions/faith), and the Way of the Yogi (mind). The Fourth Way integrates all three, allowing for simultaneous, balanced development within ordinary life, rather than requiring withdrawal from the world.

Where was Gurdjieff born?

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff was born in Alexandropol, Russian Empire, which is now known as Gyumri, Armenia.