Gurdjieff's Work - Kathleen Riordan Speeth

Gurdjieff's Work - Kathleen Riordan Speeth

Gurdjieff's Work: A Comprehensive Guide to the Teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff

G.I. Gurdjieff was a Russian philosopher, spiritual teacher, and mystic who taught a system of self-development based on the idea that humans are not fully conscious and that they need to work on themselves in order to achieve a higher level of consciousness. His work has been influential in the development of many modern spiritual and psychological movements, and his teachings continue to be studied and practiced by people all over the world.

In her book, Gurdjieff's Work, Kathleen Riordan Speeth provides a comprehensive overview of Gurdjieff's teachings. She begins by introducing Gurdjieff's life and work, and then goes on to discuss the key concepts of his teaching, including:

  • The Three Centers: Gurdjieff taught that humans have three centers of consciousness: the intellectual center, the emotional center, and the physical center. He believed that these centers need to be balanced in order for a person to achieve a higher level of consciousness.
  • The Law of Octaves: Gurdjieff also taught that the universe is governed by the Law of Octaves, which states that everything in the universe is repeated at different levels of vibration. He believed that by understanding the Law of Octaves, people can learn to control their own lives and achieve a higher level of consciousness.
  • The Work: Gurdjieff's teachings are often referred to as "the Work." The Work is a system of self-development that involves a variety of practices, including meditation, movement, and self-observation. Gurdjieff believed that the Work could help people to become more conscious of themselves and their surroundings, and to achieve a higher level of consciousness.

Speeth's book is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about Gurdjieff's teachings. She provides a clear and concise overview of his work, and she does an excellent job of explaining the key concepts of his teaching in a way that is easy to understand. The book is also full of practical advice on how to apply Gurdjieff's teachings to your own life.

If you are interested in learning more about Gurdjieff's work, I highly recommend reading Gurdjieff's Work by Kathleen Riordan Speeth. It is a comprehensive and well-written book that will give you a deep understanding of Gurdjieff's teachings and how they can help you to achieve a higher level of consciousness.

Why You Should Read Gurdjieff's Work

There are many reasons why you should read Gurdjieff's Work. Here are a few of the most important:

  • Gurdjieff's teachings are based on a deep understanding of human nature. He was a keen observer of human behavior, and he was able to identify the root causes of many of the problems that people face. His teachings offer a way to overcome these problems and achieve a higher level of consciousness.
  • Gurdjieff's teachings are practical and applicable to everyday life. He did not teach abstract theories, but rather gave specific instructions on how to change your life for the better. His teachings can be applied to any area of life, from personal relationships to professional success.
  • Gurdjieff's teachings are transformative. They have the power to change your life in profound ways. If you are willing to put in the work, Gurdjieff's teachings can help you to become a more conscious, more aware, and more fulfilled person.

How to Get Started with Gurdjieff's Work

If you are interested in learning more about Gurdjieff's work, there are a few things you can do to get started:

  • Read Gurdjieff's books. Gurdjieff wrote several books, including All and Everything, Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, and Meetings with Remarkable Men. These books are a great way to learn about Gurdjieff's teachings and how they can be applied to your own life.
  • Find a Gurdjieff group. There are Gurdjieff groups all over the world. These groups provide a supportive environment for people who are interested in learning more about Gurdjieff's teachings and practicing the Work.
  • Work with a Gurdjieff teacher. If you are serious about learning Gurdjieff's teachings, you may want to work with a Gurdjieff teacher. A Gurdjieff teacher can help you to understand the teachings more deeply and to apply them to your own life.

Gurdjieff's work is a challenging but rewarding path. If you are willing to put in the work, it can lead you to a higher level of consciousness and a more fulfilling life.