Gurdjieff: a very great enigma
J. G. Bennett
During the summer of 1963, J.G. Bennett delivered three lectures in London on the subject of the enigma, or the mystery, surrounding the man called Gurdjieff. Bennett was one of the few people able to speak of Gurdjieff’s background, teachings, and methods in relation to the traditions of Central Asia. Since then, books about Gurdjieff and his ideas have proliferated in the West, but it is this slim collection of lectures which provides us with the important source material about these ideas.
Providing a vivid picture of Gurdjieff’s boyhood and childhood turmoil, Bennett describes the beginning of the master's search.
He speaks of the clashes between the Greeks, Armenians, Turks and Assyrians, who provided the historical background for Gurdjieff's search for the meaning of human life on Earth. Bennett tells us of the Sufis of Central Asia, discussing the indications of secret brotherhood and hidden "power-houses" that were given to him by his teacher. The ancient doctrines of Zoroaster are discussed, for they undoubtedly added to the formation of Gurdjieff’s philosophy.
Emphasis is placed on Gurdjieff’s power and insight, as well as on the essential practicality of the teachings. This practicality can be used today for it provides useful insights into the enigma of any individual's search for meaning when varying traditions are studied. The final enigma remains: Was the Work to continue? Was it to stop at Gurdjieff's death? These lectures record a phase in Bennett's understanding of the Work as it was taught him.
J. G. Bennett
During the summer of 1963, J.G. Bennett delivered three lectures in London on the subject of the enigma, or the mystery, surrounding the man called Gurdjieff. Bennett was one of the few people able to speak of Gurdjieff’s background, teachings, and methods in relation to the traditions of Central Asia. Since then, books about Gurdjieff and his ideas have proliferated in the West, but it is this slim collection of lectures which provides us with the important source material about these ideas.
Providing a vivid picture of Gurdjieff’s boyhood and childhood turmoil, Bennett describes the beginning of the master's search.
He speaks of the clashes between the Greeks, Armenians, Turks and Assyrians, who provided the historical background for Gurdjieff's search for the meaning of human life on Earth. Bennett tells us of the Sufis of Central Asia, discussing the indications of secret brotherhood and hidden "power-houses" that were given to him by his teacher. The ancient doctrines of Zoroaster are discussed, for they undoubtedly added to the formation of Gurdjieff’s philosophy.
Emphasis is placed on Gurdjieff’s power and insight, as well as on the essential practicality of the teachings. This practicality can be used today for it provides useful insights into the enigma of any individual's search for meaning when varying traditions are studied. The final enigma remains: Was the Work to continue? Was it to stop at Gurdjieff's death? These lectures record a phase in Bennett's understanding of the Work as it was taught him.
J. G. Bennett
During the summer of 1963, J.G. Bennett delivered three lectures in London on the subject of the enigma, or the mystery, surrounding the man called Gurdjieff. Bennett was one of the few people able to speak of Gurdjieff’s background, teachings, and methods in relation to the traditions of Central Asia. Since then, books about Gurdjieff and his ideas have proliferated in the West, but it is this slim collection of lectures which provides us with the important source material about these ideas.
Providing a vivid picture of Gurdjieff’s boyhood and childhood turmoil, Bennett describes the beginning of the master's search.
He speaks of the clashes between the Greeks, Armenians, Turks and Assyrians, who provided the historical background for Gurdjieff's search for the meaning of human life on Earth. Bennett tells us of the Sufis of Central Asia, discussing the indications of secret brotherhood and hidden "power-houses" that were given to him by his teacher. The ancient doctrines of Zoroaster are discussed, for they undoubtedly added to the formation of Gurdjieff’s philosophy.
Emphasis is placed on Gurdjieff’s power and insight, as well as on the essential practicality of the teachings. This practicality can be used today for it provides useful insights into the enigma of any individual's search for meaning when varying traditions are studied. The final enigma remains: Was the Work to continue? Was it to stop at Gurdjieff's death? These lectures record a phase in Bennett's understanding of the Work as it was taught him.
