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Like Blavatsky Gurdjieff was an anti-Enlightenment, anti-establishment synthesiser of teachings from a variety of occult and traditional sources, and like her he seemed to court the reputation of charlatan guru. There is, however, a profound difference between the teachings in that, while Blavatsky included some practical teaching, Gurdjieff’s teaching is practical in essence.
‘A’ INFLUENCE see influences
ABSOLUTE, THE
The Absolute is the name given to the incomprehensible All or One that comprises all worlds (see world/s, all worlds). It is the state of things when the All constitutes one Whole,… the primordial state of things, out of which, by division and differentiation arise the diversity of the phenomena observed by us. (Search: 76)
The three forces, which exist everywhere, exist in the Absolute as a whole possessing will, full consciousness, and understanding of themselves and all they do. The unity of three forces is expressed, for example, in the consubstantial and indivisible Trinity, in the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
The direct influence of the Absolute does not reach man.
Gurdjieff equates the Absolute, in philosophical terms, with the Hindu term ‘Brahman’ as the ‘ultimate principle lying beyond all worlds’ (Views, 1924: 66). He also equates the Absolute, at the top of the Ray of Creation, with God. The Absolute alone has will and creates from Himself; all subsequent creations are mechanical. The three forces, which are manifest in the world below the Absolute, correspond to the manifestation of the one God, in the three-fold form of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost.
For the ‘three matters’, see air, food/eating, impressions and unity.
ACCUMULATOR In each of the centres, there are two accumulators.
AI Summary
Gurdjieff by Sophia Wellbeloved and Paul Beekman Taylor presents key insights from the Gurdjieff tradition. The 10 passages above capture the essential teachings.
Core Themes:
- [To be expanded]
Key Passages: Highlights 1, 3, and 10 are particularly representative.
This entry was generated from Readwise highlights. Expand with additional context as appropriate.