Exploring life beyond appearances

... help us to be able to remember ourselves at all times in order that we may avoid involuntary actions, as only through them can evil manifest itself. - G.I. Gurdjieff, Scenario for the Struggle of the Magicians

The Gurdjieff Group of Central New York

Exploring life beyond appearances

... help us to be able to remember ourselves at all times in order that we may avoid involuntary actions, as only through them can evil manifest itself. - G.I. Gurdjieff, Scenario for the Struggle of the Magicians

GURDJIEFF INTERNATIONAL REVIEW

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff

A teacher of dance...

Beginning in 1912 in Russia, George Gurdjieff brought a unique spiritual teaching to the West. What we know of Gurdjieff's early life is based on what he chose to tell. After he began meeting with groups in Russia, numerous writers have described their time in his presence. Other anecdotes have been transmitted through those who knew him and carried on his teaching.

What is clear is that Gurdjieff traveled widely and devoted his life to understanding the human condition and our place in the universe. He relentlessly pursued means of effectively communicating that understanding to others, until his death in 1949. The Gurdjieff International Review, available on-line at the link below, is an excellent source for biographical details and elements of his teaching.

OUR PRACTICE

“I ask you to believe nothing that you cannot verify for yourself."

G.I. Gurdjieff, Views from the Real World

Writings and Talks

Gurdjieff expounded on the details of our psychology and the nature of the universe in his own writings, notably Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, Meetings with Remarkable Men, and Life is Real Only Then when I Am. He wrote these books in such a way that the reader must read attentively and do their own extensive research and experimentation in order to discern and understand the teachings embedded in his writing.

Gurdjieff also gave lectures and spoke in public. Some of these talks, as well as the personal teachings, are published in the writing of many of his followers and in other books.

Music

Gurdjieff collaborated for many years with the composer Thomas de Hartmann to create many musical works. Some of these were intended to accompany the movements, others to touch listeners in specific ways. He also played the harmonium, and recordings from the late 1940's have been restored and published.

Group Meetings

From the time when G.I Gurdjieff first appeared as a teacher in Russia, groups have been a fundamental aspect of the common search. The group is a place of sharing, where we can speak openly about our aspirations, our struggles and difficulties, and our discoveries.

The group can also bring us face to face with ourselves, revealing what we don't wish to see in ourselves, and providing insights into what is behind our actions and the complexities of our inner lives.

Contemplation

Gurdjieff''s book, Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, speaks of contemplation as an essential element in engendering inner and outer harmony.

Gurdjieff brought a science of movement and dance that opens many doors. In addition to offering opportunities to see ourselves as we are, the movements serve both to bring about a more harmonious inner relationship and a direct connection to forces that we are unaware of in our ordinary state.

Although we do not currently offer Movements as part of our activities, there may be opportunities for those with a strong interest in the Movements to participate in classes with associated groups in New York State.

The Movements

THE GURDJIEFF FOUNDATION OF NEW YORK

HAS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THEIR WEBSITE THAT INCLUDES USEFUL RESOURCES AND OTHER MATERIALS

We invite serious seekers in Utica and surrounding areas to join us in our search.

Gurdjieff Group of Central New York

A practical path, exploring our human possibilities

Active verification through direct experience