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PREFACE I prefer people talking nonsense about important matters rather than keeping silent, because from the ensuing argument and fighting the truth will out. – Diderot
On two occasions, my life has been touched by something extraordinary. These differed from all other intense experiences, good or bad, which I have known like any other person, in that both times it seemed as if a power manifested itself. A power, the existence of which I could not have imagined, the source of which seemed to reside outside of me. From its independent core, far from me, shrouded in invisibility, this power briefly illuminated me, the result of a mere coincidence, the way a searchlight dances its beam across all manner of objects as it glides swiftly forward through the dark.
The desperation of my adolescent existence, like a fly at the bottom of a bottle, was gone. Deep within the keys, behind the vital rhythms, a life resounded whose simplicity, resignation,
humanity, hope and love had taken on a vibration my nervous system absorbed like a dry sponge soaks up water.
We were welcomed by a handsome woman, of small stature, and Oriental appearance. Her relaxed countenance immediately put us at ease. Without wasting time, we were lined up in rows as if we had joined the army, and she demonstrated a powerful physical exercise, in which she moved her arms, legs and head separately. An old lady, seated at a piano more elderly than she, hammered out a strange, almost hypnotic melody, as she desperately searched for the right keys. The movements my body performed while hearing this music had a sudden effect on me. It was as if a blinding light filled everything in the dance hall, including me, and I was convinced that I had stumbled across something of incredible meaning and power. That was my first encounter with Gurdjieff’s Movements.
The study of this phenomenon, Gurdjieff’s Movements, has occupied my life since I discovered it. This book forms the embodiment, the results of years of research. Both these experiences shared an intensity that held an inescapable commitment. The initial impetus for this book came from Dries Langeveld, chief editor of Bres Magazine, a philosophical and esoteric Dutch monthly to which I contributed articles on a regular basis throughout the nineties.
“Pupils,” Dries repeated softly, lost in his thoughts while attempting to pour coffee in a near impossible situation—standing between the towers of books that littered his study—and concluded his musings with: “Write about them Wim, try to explain as accurately as possible what is going on here. If something has gone wrong, analyse it. Don’t attribute blame needlessly, but don’t humor anyone either. We’re not into pretending that everything is fine when it isn’t here.”
Dries Langeveld, a great expert on every aspect and school of thought within spirituality and blessed with encyclopaedic knowledge, died shortly after this conversation. He is often in my thoughts and it is with fond memories that I reflect on him. I am so glad that I did what he asked me to do.
Who am I to venture into this hornets’ nest, and am I capable of providing a faithful report? This is
a question I asked myself many times after Dries Langeveld had requested that I write this book.
AI Summary
The Gurdjieff Movements by Wim van Dullemen 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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