Phase 1 - The Journey Begins...
Update 2014-01-10: We have refined our approach and created a "Road Map" located here.
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On January 8th, 2014 a new group of companions will start a journey of self-discovery, mutual support, and service in the context of 4th Way study. Guided primarily by the indications, methods and resources passed down from G. I. Gurdjieff, J. G. Bennett and others we will take on the joys and challenges of "conscious labor and intentional suffering" required by the process of self-development, the transformation of our being, and the realization of our individuality in the domain of will.
These are lofty goals, described with high sounding words. These words could easily lead us into fantasy, or worse yet into a form of deep delusion, unless we can maintain a high degree of honesty and integrity. It's just here that the balancing influence of working as a group comes into play. But in addition to this "reality check" that we provide for each other, we also provide encouragement, energy, insight and a strengthened resolve to stay the course.
If you feel called to join us on this journey, please email john@jrhmail.com to express something of your background and why you are moved to undertake such a step.
A brief outline for Phase 1 follows...
Our Approach to Study: Initially our work together will take the following form...
A study of J. G. Bennett’s four levels of selfhood
Material Self
Reactional Self
Divided Self
True Self
A description of these different aspects of our nature can be found in J.G. Bennett's book “Deeper Man”. A note of caution; although there will be a certain flavor of intellectual effort required for learning about these levels of selfhood, this will not be an academic exercise. Using the laboratory of our own experience we will create a collection of maps, tools and connections to change the very nature of our being.
Systematics: J. G. Bennett created an extraordinary method for training our ability to enter into the complex nature of reality. Working with Systematics dramatically changes our ability to 'see', to understand, and to act effectively in the world. Using the emergent qualities which come from seeing reality...
(1) as a whole,
(2) as competing dyads,
(3) as dynamic relationships,
(4) as the activity of change,
(5) as the embodiment of potential,
(6) as a source for self renewal, and
(7) as a means for transformation…
just to 'name' the first seven approaches, we create in ourselves a whole new way of connecting to the world of our experience. The full approach consists of 12 different systems. We will be studying the first four of those systems; namely…
The monad
The dyad
The triad
The tetrad
These four systems provide four very distinct but related ways of ‘seeing’; and consequently make excellent tools for self-observation. You can find more information about Systematics on this site: http://www.systematics.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php
Beelzebub’s Tales to his Grandson: We propose taking on the task of reading this remarkable book (actually a series of three books) in its entirety over the next three months. If this appears to be too large an undertaking for some individuals, then the slightly less formidable task of reading the first of the three books contained in this collection can be substituted.
In addition to these three main points of departure, we will incorporate an understanding of energies, bodies, worlds, centers, octaves, the enneagram and much else besides. This will help lay a foundation for the future.
There are several related aims for this first phase of our work together. They include:
Creating a framework and developing a set of tools to really ‘see’ and understand who we are.
Making substantial ‘progress’ toward creating a stable presence in World 24, the astral world.
Moving from a collection of individuals toward the formation of a real group.
As described above, these are lofty goals to aim for. But by working together in a consistent and meaningful way, these goals will slowly become attainable.