Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way

George Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way is a system of spiritual practice and self-development that he developed and taught throughout his life. It is a unique approach that combines elements of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, psychology, and science, with the goal of helping individuals achieve a state of self-awareness and spiritual transformation in the midst of their daily lives.

The Fourth Way is based on the idea that there are three traditional paths of spiritual development: the way of the fakir, the way of the monk, and the way of the yogi. Gurdjieff believed that each of these paths had its own strengths and weaknesses, and that none of them alone was sufficient for achieving true self-awareness and spiritual transformation. Instead, he proposed a fourth way that combined elements of all three paths in a unique and integrated approach.

One of the key features of the Fourth Way is the emphasis on self-observation and self-remembering. Gurdjieff believed that individuals must become more conscious of their own thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to achieve self-awareness and spiritual transformation. He taught specific techniques for self-observation and self-remembering, such as the “stop exercise” which involves pausing and becoming aware of one’s thoughts and surroundings, as well as the “inner considering” exercise which involves becoming aware of one’s own emotions and reactions to others.

Another important aspect of the Fourth Way is the idea of “work,” which involves engaging in conscious effort towards spiritual development in the midst of one’s daily life. This can take many forms, such as engaging in meaningful work, developing new skills, or working to improve relationships with others. Gurdjieff believed that work was essential for spiritual development, as it helped individuals to develop discipline, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose.

The Fourth Way also emphasizes the importance of group work and community. Gurdjieff believed that individuals could support each other in their spiritual development through group work and shared experiences. He founded several communities throughout his life where individuals could come together to study and practice the Fourth Way.

Here are some quotes by Gurdjieff related to the Fourth Way:

• “The Fourth Way is not a system of self-development for the chosen few, but a practical way of self-development for all who are willing to undertake it.” (Gurdjieff, In Search of the Miraculous)
• “The Fourth Way is a path of action, not of contemplation. It involves engaging in the world and working towards self-awareness and spiritual transformation in the midst of daily life.” (Gurdjieff, Life is Real Only Then, When ‘I Am’)
• “The Fourth Way is a unique approach that combines elements of all three traditional paths of spiritual development. It is a way for individuals to achieve self-awareness and spiritual transformation in the midst of their daily lives.” (Gurdjieff, Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson)

In conclusion, George Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way is a unique and integrated approach to spiritual development that combines elements of Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, psychology, and science. It emphasizes self-observation, work, and group work as essential components of spiritual development, and is designed to help individuals achieve self-awareness and spiritual transformation in the midst of their daily lives.