The Practice of Contemplation in the Work of Gurdjieff

doi:10.1558/ijsnr.v6i2.28944

International Journal for the Study of New Religions, Vol 6, No 2 (2015)

The Practice of Contemplation in the Work of Gurdjieff

Joseph John Azize

Issued Date: 20 Jan 2016

Abstract

In Beelzebub’s Tales to his Grandson, Gurdjieff writes of the critical importance of “Aiëssirittoorassnian-contemplation” for the formation of the “soul”. First, I discuss some definitions of “meditation” and “contemplation” in relation to Gurdjieff’s practices with a view to determining the most appropriate term. Second, commencing with Beelzebub, but ranging across Gurdjieff’s oeuvre, I explore his understanding of the “soul”, and “Aiëssirittoorassnian-contemplation”. I then examine Gurdjieff’s first recorded contemplative technique, the “I Am” exercise, thus illuminating an under-appreciated aspect of Gurdjieff’s practice. It transpires that Gurdjieff’s contemplative techniques are more significant to his practical teaching than previously suspected.

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DOI: 10.1558/ijsnr.v6i2.28944

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