Methods  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gurdjieff 1920

 

 

That Gurdjieff was a powerful and charismatic teacher who employed unusual and challenging teaching methods is indisputable.

But doubts have been raised about the provenance of his provocative teaching style and use of role-playing and blameworthy behaviour.

Did Gurdjieff cross an ethical line in his dealings with some students by his confrontational behaviour and excessive demands, or was he always acting in the best interests of his pupils?

 

 

Powerful and Magnetic Personality

(updated 2023/08/23)

Personal Power and Presence
Power of Attention and Awareness
Psychic and Hypnotic Powers
Personality Worship

Deception and Role-Playing

(updated 2023/09/28)

Secrecy and Deception
Manipulating Atmosphere and Environment
Playing Roles
Effect on Students

The 'Path of Blame'

Challenges and Difficulties for Students

(updated 2020/07/17)

Experimentation with Students and Others
Physical Demands
Emotional Demands
Financial Demands
Aim and Purpose of Testing Students

Individual and Group Work

Gurdjieff's Teaching Style
Group Work
Individual Work
Teaching Children
Gurdjieff's Presence and Being

Inner Work Principles I

Inner Development and Evolution
Gurdjieff and 'the Work'
Self-Study and Self-Knowledge
Obstacles and Barriers to Self-Development
Group Work with a Teacher

Inner Work Principles II

Self-Observation
Conscious Effort and Struggle
Voluntary Suffering and Remorse of Conscience

Inner Work Principles III

Self-Remembering
Working with the Body, Emotions and Mind
Harmonization with Everyday Life

Inner Work Exercises I

Instruments of Self-Development
Working with the Exercises
Cautions and Concerns
Physical, Relaxation, Sensing and Breathing Exercises

Inner Work Exercises II

The Movements
The "Stop" Exercise
Mental and Psychological Exercises
The "I Am" Exercise

Negative Effects on Students

(updated 2023/09/28)

Adverse Consequences of Gurdjieff's Methods
Questions and Doubts
Separation From Gurdjieff
Ouspensky's Break with Gurdjieff