Myths about Gurdjieff and the fourth way (and general discussion on similar lines)

[JohnShirley]

There are two myths about the Gurdjieff work that are prevalent in spirituality forums:

1) that you don't really get anywhere in the work, and supposedly Gurdjieff despaired of getting anyone to awaken

2) That Gurdjieffians are 'cold' or 'all intellectual' or 'cut off from the heart center'.

Re the first one, Lord Pentland, Madame de Salzmann, Michel de Salzmann and many others achieved a great deal in the work--they and others awakened. I myself have had much *benefit* from it, positive impact on my life.

Re the second, Gurdjieff and Ouspensky took a kind of scientific attitude, both liked the scientific method (but neither felt constrained by the usual parameters of scientific study) and this accounts for the tone of "intellectualism" that is a legacy of their work. But that's all exterior, it's exoteric Gurdjieffiana, if you like, and the real Gurdjieff work, for those who know, is as emotional as it is anything else, is about feelings, self sensing, the heart, and so on.

There are other myths, promulgated by Gurdjieff cults out there - if they want a lot of money from you, if they have a charismatic Big Shot (especially a fat one who collects expensive furniture...), if they seem very seminar oriented--they're a cult. They don't know whereof they speak.

[ April 01, 2006, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: JohnShirley ]