THREE SIGNIFICANT GURDJIEFF PRESENTERS

There are three important PRESENTERS of GURDJIEFF and his ideas/system/writings,etc. that all students of the esoteric,occult, and related topics should consider, as well as a vast constellation of others that will be discussed from time to time, whcn necessary and relevant. Mention should be made also of the various critical, detracting, and pseudo groups and individuals that exist and who may be discussed here for a fuller understanding of what is involved in any consideration of GURDJIEFF. Some tend to separate the man from the teachings and practices,while others tend to glorify and perhaps deify the man. Many, if not most, of those acquainted with GURDJIEFF that have not considered or studied his writings per se, know of these ideas and practices from the writings and efforts,.minimal or super, of the three that will be mentioned now: OUSPENSKY, ORAGE, & BENNETT.

THE FOURTH WAY

Like so many people concerned with Gurdjieff, I became acquainted with the 'ideas' through his more prominent exponent, one famous before G, as to which Gurdjieff was often referred, namely P>D> Ouspensky. It was in 1957, the year before I graduated from the University of New Hampshire where I was somewhat majoring in the minimum courses of Psychology when I came across a book in the college library that arrested my attention every time I passed by the new acquisitions shelves. Every time I looked at the hardcover volume I was drawn by the photo of Ouspensky on the back bookcover and thumbing through its table of contents,etc. I eventually and finally took it out and read it. Needless to say, this book,entitled THE FOURTH WAY changed nearly all my views on not only psychology and mankind but on certain aspects of life and the Universe and probably this same book has done so for many others around the world where English is spoken and read.

GURDJIEFF :THE GREAT ENIGMA/THE UNKNOWABLE

GURDJIEFF,the Great Enigma,the Unknowable, had two kinds of children:his real, apparent children and those who 'inherited' hhis methods, practices, dances, movements, documents, writings, teaching and other aspects of his 'SYSTEM'. The life of Gurdjieff can be split into 'three' significant sections: his childhood and youth(formative years?); his middle life; and the FINAL PERIOD,although it can also be considered in terms of WWI,The Russian Revolution, and WWII. Either way you cut it, either way you spit it, the Life of Gurdjieff whether as described true or false,real or imaginary, as gleaned from his own writings and accounts of his various activities or books by his 'disciples' or detractors, his life is a most fascinating and intriguing life, from which we can learn much if we truly look, observe, and meditate.