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Preface

“How can I be initiated into the Gurdjieff teachings?” Gurdjieff said to this, “There is no initiation, every initiation is a self-initiation.”

Even when practiced regularly, there is often a feeling that “nothing has happened at all” or that no change has occurred. Therefore I emphasize again and again that a change into another layer of consciousness brings a changed perception at that moment. When we have returned to the layer of consciousness of the “ordinary” waking state of consciousness, we think and feel that apparently “nothing has changed”. In fact, the changed state of consciousness can only be perceived on this “other” level, but not with the “unchanged state”. The only thing that can be permanently perceived is the evolving body sensation. The longer we work on it, the stronger this sensation becomes - our own body is felt and perceived more and more often, even if attention is not intentionally directed to it. In the course of time it happens that suddenly a perception of the body sensation is there “by itself” and another clarity, a “heightened” state of waking consciousness is present.

Nothing is lost! This means that the work on the storage and consolidation of the inner energies (see chapter 4) bears fruit without this being noticed or perceived under everyday circumstances. This phenomenon makes many people doubt at first whether it is of any use at all to do this “inner work”. Those who persist in it, notice with time that a change in the whole of their own state of mind and self-perception has set in. This point must be emphasized again and again. Those who are after “quick” results should change their attitude.

case. Our goal is a “harmonious development” which - we hope - will bring forth an inner quality that will outlast physical life. This is also a goal, but one that does not end on the winner’s podium of life, but is completely located in the unknowable. Promises of salvation are foreign to me, I can only say from my experience - and the inner wisdom gained in the course of time - that this work is worthwhile, even if the idea of an “immortal soul” would ultimately only be a fantasy.

1. Learning by Doing “The highest thing a person can achieve is the ability to do.” G. I. Gurdjieff, Aphorisms

His significant insight is that a person can “do” only when his “real I” has become the central pivot of his life, and this requires conscious work. Above all, a person must realize that most of what he thinks is conscious action is more or less automatic.

When we normally say “I,” we actually mean our “personality” and our body. We say, “I am in pain,” “I feel good,” “I think,” “I drive a car.” But this personality, which is “I” is not the “real I”.

A self-deception would be if you think that just because you have practiced for a while, you are already able to act from the core of your being. No matter how, without starting with it, nothing can develop.

If you have the possibility to do the exercises together with a partner or friends, not only the exercise is strengthened, but also the motivation to stay with it.

AI Summary

Gurdjieff Practice Book by Bruno Martin presents key insights from the Gurdjieff tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.

Core Themes:

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Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.

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