The Practice of Contemplation in the Work of Gurdjieff

Authors

  • Joseph John Azize University of Sydney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/ijsnr.v6i2.28944

Keywords:

Gurdjieff, Contemplation, new religious movements, meditation, P. D. Ouspensky

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.

Author Biography

  • Joseph John Azize, University of Sydney

    Joseph Azize is an honorary associated with the Department of Studies in Religion, University of Sydney

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Published

2016-01-20

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Azize, J. J. (2016). The Practice of Contemplation in the Work of Gurdjieff. International Journal for the Study of New Religions, 6(2), 139–156. https://doi.org/10.1558/ijsnr.v6i2.28944