Gurdjieff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gurdjieff
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| Born | January 13, 1866 |
| Died | October 29, 1949 (aged 83) |
| Era | 20th-century |
| School | "Fourth Way" |
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Main interests
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Psychology, philosophy, science, ancient knowledge |
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Influences
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Influenced
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George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (born January 13, 1866 – died October 29, 1949) was an Armenian teacher and writer. Many people simply called him Gurdjieff. He was a very important spiritual teacher in the early 1900s. His ideas were shaped by Sufi, Zen, and Yoga teachers he met on his travels.
Contents
Who Was Gurdjieff?
Gurdjieff believed that most people live their lives in a kind of "waking sleep." He thought we often act like machines without truly being aware. He once said that modern humans are "nothing more than merely a clockwork mechanism." He also stated, "A modern man lives in sleep, in sleep he is born and in sleep he dies."
What Was His Main Idea?
Gurdjieff created a special way to help people become more aware. He wanted them to reach their full human potential. He called this method "The Work" or "The Method." It was all about waking up your consciousness.
The "Fourth Way"
Gurdjieff's way of awakening consciousness was different from other paths. For example, it was not like the path of a fakir (someone who practices extreme self-discipline). It was also not like a monk's path (focused on religious devotion). And it was not like a yogi's path (focused on physical and mental exercises). Because it was different, his teaching was called the "Fourth Way."
Gurdjieff's Schools and Travels
During his life, Gurdjieff opened and closed several schools. These schools were in different parts of the world. He taught his "Work" in these places. Gurdjieff said that his teachings came from his own experiences. He learned a lot during his early travels. He believed his teachings shared truths found in ancient religions. They were about self-awareness in daily life. They also explored humanity's place in the universe.
Gurdjieff's Books
Gurdjieff wrote several books to share his ideas. These books explain his teachings and experiences.
- Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson (1950): This book shares Gurdjieff's thoughts on human life. It is written as a story told by a character named Beelzebub.
- Meetings with Remarkable Men (1963): This book is Gurdjieff's own autobiography. It tells about the interesting people he met during his travels.
- Life Is Only Real Then, When "I Am" (1975): This book explores deeper ideas about being truly present and aware.
Gurdjieff in Film
In 1979, a British film called Meetings with Remarkable Men was released. It was directed by Peter Brook. The movie was based on Gurdjieff's autobiography of the same name. It was filmed in Afghanistan and England. The film starred Terence Stamp and Dragan Maksimovic. It was nominated for a Golden Bear prize at the 29th Berlin International Film Festival.
See also
In Spanish: George Gurdjieff para niños
