AWAKE YOUR
TRUE POTENTIAL
Discover Your True Potential and Life Purpose By Exploring the Profound Philosophical and Transformative Secrets of The System of “The Fourth Way” as presented by G.I. Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky
The Fourth Way
The Fundamentals
The Fourth Way: A Unique Path to Self-Development
In the vast landscape of spiritual and self-development traditions, the Fourth Way stands out as a distinctive and holistic approach. Conceived by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff during his extensive travels in the East during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Fourth Way synthesizes elements from three established paths: the ways of the body, emotions, and mind. These traditional paths (The Way Of The Fakir, The Way Of The Monk, The Way Of The Yogi) respectively, have been practiced for centuries, each focusing on a specific aspect of human existence. However, the Fourth Way integrates these paths, offering a comprehensive approach to self-realization without necessitating withdrawal from the world.
Unlike many spiritual traditions that require adherence to specific religious practices or ascetic disciplines, the Fourth Way is often referred to as “The Way Of The Sly Man” as this man works on all the three traditional ways simultaneously without the need of excluding himself from normal every day life and making much quicker progress then working on just one way.
It emphasizes the idea that individuals can pursue spiritual growth and self-awareness within the context of their everyday lives. This makes it particularly relevant for the modern individual, often referred to as the ‘householder’, who seeks spiritual depth without renouncing worldly responsibilities.
A core tenet of the Fourth Way is the belief that humans typically operate in a state of “waking sleep.” While we might believe we are fully conscious, we are, in fact, functioning in a semi-hypnotic state, driven by habits and unconscious reactions. The Fourth Way offers tools and teachings to awaken from this slumber, to achieve higher levels of consciousness, and to harness the full potential of our intellectual, emotional, and physical centers.
Another distinguishing feature of the Fourth Way is its adaptability. It is not bound by rigid structures or institutions. Instead, it evolves, adapting its methods and teachings to the needs of the time and culture. While the underlying principles remain consistent, the practices are continually refined to remain relevant to each generation.
In essence, the Fourth Way is not just a set of teachings but a dynamic system of self-development. It challenges individuals to question their perceptions, to cultivate self-awareness, and to embark on a transformative journey towards their true potential. In a world filled with distractions and superficial pursuits, the Fourth Way offers a beacon, guiding those who seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the cosmos.
Pjotr Demianovich Ouspensky
31 March 1866 – 29 October 1949
P.D. Ouspensky studied the Gurdjieff system directly under Gurdjieff’s own supervision for a period of ten years, from 1915 to 1924. ‘In Search of the Miraculous’ recounts what he learned from Gurdjieff during those years. While lecturing in London in 1924, he announced that he would continue independently the way, he had begun in 1921. Some, including his close pupil Rodney Collin, say that he finally gave up the system in 1947, just before his death, but his own recorded words on the subject (“A Record of Meetings”, published posthumously) do not clearly endorse this judgment.
Preview Audio Book ‘Psychology Of Mans Possible Evolution’
The Fourth Way: Who is it For?
The Fourth Way, with its unique blend of spiritual and self-development teachings, is tailored for the modern ‘householder’—individuals who seek profound spiritual growth without retreating from the world. It’s for those who wish to integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives, amidst careers, families, and societal responsibilities. This path resonates with individuals who are not content with surface-level existence and are driven by an inner urge to understand their true nature and place in the universe.
It’s especially suited for those who find traditional religious paths too restrictive or dogmatic. If you’re someone who values personal experience over blind faith, who questions rather than accepts, and who believes in the possibility of achieving higher states of consciousness without renouncing the world, the Fourth Way might be your path.
However, the Fourth Way is not for everyone. It’s not for those seeking quick fixes or superficial spiritual experiences. The teachings demand consistent effort, self-observation, and a willingness to confront one’s own limitations and illusions. If you’re looking for a path that offers comfort without challenge, or if you’re drawn to rigid dogmas and strict rituals, the Fourth Way might not resonate with you. It’s also not for those who aren’t ready to take responsibility for their own spiritual growth. The Fourth Way doesn’t offer a set roadmap; instead, it provides tools and teachings that individuals must apply based on their understanding and circumstances.
In essence, the Fourth Way is for seekers who are ready to embark on a deep and transformative journey within, while remaining fully engaged with the world outside. It’s a path of balance, integration, and conscious evolution.
Preview Snippet From The Fourth Way Audiobook
“The Fourth Way provides you with ‘tools’ to develop
Frank Middendorp | Just A Dutch Philosopher
yourself beyond the way you understand yourself and the world.”
The Fourth Way: The Fundamental Concepts
- Waking Sleep: The idea that most people live their lives in a state of unconsciousness, akin to sleep, even when they believe they are awake.
- Three Centers: The intellectual, emotional, and physical centers within a person, each responsible for different functions and each needing to be developed and harmonized.
- Self-Remembering: A practice of continuous self-awareness, where one remains aware of oneself and one’s actions in the present moment.
- Self-Observation: The act of neutrally observing one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions without judgment, to gain insight into one’s habits and patterns.
- Multiple ‘I’s: The idea that a person does not have a unified self but is made up of multiple, often conflicting, “I’s” or sub-personalities.
- Law of Three: A cosmic law stating that every event is the result of three forces: active, passive, and neutral or reconciling.
- Law of Seven (or the Law of Octaves): Describes the non-linear progression of events, indicating that there are specific points where extra effort is needed to ensure the desired outcome.
- The Enneagram: A nine-pointed symbol representing a dynamic system of processes, incorporating the Law of Three and the Law of Seven.
- Work on Oneself: The continuous effort required for self-development and transformation.
- Intentional Suffering and Conscious Labor: The idea that through intentional effort and embracing certain challenges, one can grow spiritually.
- Sacred Dances or Movements: Specific exercises and dances taught by Gurdjieff to help students integrate their physical, emotional, and intellectual centers.
- The Ray of Creation: A cosmological concept describing the place and role of Earth in the universe.
- Influence A and Influence B: External influences that act upon an individual, with Influence A being ordinary life influences and Influence B being spiritual or esoteric teachings.
- Essence and Personality: Essence is the inherent nature one is born with, while Personality is the accumulated learned behaviors and beliefs.
- Transformation of Energies: The idea that humans can transform lower, baser energies into higher, more refined energies through specific practices.
- The Fourth Way School: Unlike traditional schools (like those of fakirs, monks, or yogis), a Fourth Way school exists not for the sake of the school itself but for the sake of the work being undertaken.
George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
31 March 1866 – 29 October 1949
George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, Georgian: 31 March 1866/14 January 1872/28 November 1877 – 29 October 1949) was a Russian philosopher, mystic, spiritual teacher, and composer of Armenian and Greek descent, born in Alexandropol, Russian Empire (now Gyumri, Armenia) Gurdjieff found the teachings on his travels to the Orient most presumably in former Persia in Sufi schools, all thought he never told explicitly where he got his knowledge. We owe it to Ouspensky though that the teachings were compiled into a more or less complete system.
SELF-REMEMBERING
The system of ‘The Fourth Way’ posits that individuals often operate mechanically, governed by external circumstances, without a genuine awareness of their true self. In this perspective, we are frequently the unconscious pawns of our surroundings, driven by habits and reactions rather than genuine understanding or intention.
Self-remembrance is a pivotal concept in this system, signifying a state of heightened presence where one is fully conscious of oneself in the present moment. This stands in stark contrast to our typical mechanical state, characterized by automatic, unconscious behavior stemming from a lack of self-awareness.
This state of self-remembrance isn’t merely a function, thought, or emotion; it represents an entirely different state of consciousness. It occasionally arises spontaneously for brief moments, especially in novel environments, leading one to realize, “How strange. I am here.” This realization is the essence of self-remembrance; in that moment, you truly remember yourself.
The ultimate aim of self-remembrance is to unlock the full potential and deeper capabilities inherent in every individual. It serves as the foundational step towards personal development and growth within the Fourth Way teachings.
Furthermore, self-remembrance involves studying the obstacles that, due to incorrect functions in our human “machine,” prevent us from accessing the higher functions of our inner potential. Drawing from the core concepts of the Fourth Way, it’s evident that this practice is not just about being present, but about transcending our ordinary state to achieve a higher level of consciousness and understanding.
Beyond Traditional Philosophy
The Fourth Way, as introduced by George Gurdjieff, is more than just a philosophical system. While philosophy delves into intellectual discussions and theoretical explorations of reality, the Fourth Way emphasizes practical application and experiential knowledge. Unlike traditional philosophy, which often remains in the realm of thought, the Fourth Way offers tangible methods to effect real change in an individual’s consciousness. It integrates the mind, emotions, and body in a holistic approach, contrasting with philosophy’s specialized branches. Furthermore, while philosophical teachings can be static and academically transmitted, the Fourth Way is dynamic, evolving, and passed directly from teacher to student. It’s not merely about understanding the world but actively transforming oneself within it.
- Practical Application vs. Theoretical Discussion: Philosophy often revolves around intellectual discussions, debates, and the exploration of ideas. While it seeks to understand the nature of reality, morality, and existence, it often remains in the realm of thought. The Fourth Way, on the other hand, is fundamentally practical. It offers tangible methods, exercises, and teachings designed to bring about real change in an individual’s consciousness and life.
- Experiential Knowledge vs. Conceptual Understanding: Philosophical systems are typically built on logical reasoning and conceptual understanding. The Fourth Way emphasizes experiential knowledge. It’s not enough to understand its teachings intellectually; one must experience them firsthand. This is where practices like self-remembrance come into play, pushing individuals to experience heightened states of consciousness rather than merely theorizing about them.
- Holistic Approach vs. Specialized Study: Philosophy often breaks down its study into specialized branches like metaphysics, ethics, or epistemology. The Fourth Way offers a holistic approach, integrating aspects of the mind, emotions, and body. It doesn’t compartmentalize but seeks to develop the whole individual.
- Dynamic Evolution vs. Static Systems: Philosophical systems, once established, often remain static, with scholars interpreting and reinterpreting established texts. The Fourth Way is dynamic. As highlighted in its teachings, it doesn’t have a permanent form but adapts, evolves, and might even disappear, only to re-emerge in a different form or place.
- Direct Transmission vs. Academic Learning: While philosophy is often taught in academic settings with a focus on reading, writing, and discussion, the teachings of the Fourth Way are traditionally transmitted directly from teacher to student. This direct transmission ensures that the teachings remain alive, practical, and relevant to the individual’s personal journey.
Founding Fathers of The Fourth Way
Henry Maurice Dunlop Nicoll 1884 – 1953
Maurice Nicoll, Founding Father of the system of The Fourth Way. Maurice Nicoll’s work is considered to…
Pyotr Demianovich Ouspensky 1878-1947.
Ouspensky is widely regarded as the other founding father to the development of the system of the…
George Yvanovich Gurdjieff 1866-1949
Gurdjieff is widely regarded as the leading figure who introduced the fundamental knowledge of the system of…
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