Deepening "the Wish"
AIM: NOT TO ROT
WISH: GET CREMATED
A few realizations: Work attempts shouldn't become a routine & questions should not become a competitive sport. Never follow the beaten track. Don't have questions but be in question.
Do not become attached to the fruits of your labors.
Don't ruin a good day with a work attempt.
I am a little fly observing my self: a pile of shit
What is the point of group meetings to discuss what we did yesterday only to plan on questions for tomorrow?
Is there a cure for the disease of yesterday?
Dividing the "Aim"
Intellectual: To know, to understand.
Emotional: To Feel, to be Felt
Instinctual: To do, To do it now
It: To breathe, to be fed
______________
Dear Seeker,
As you embark on this journey of self-inquiry and transformation, I offer you this simple guide to help you engage with "the work" in the spirit of Mr. Gurdjieff's teachings, as found in his writings.
Remember, the goal is not to become a slave to a system of rules or rigid practices but rather to cultivate a conscious, questioning approach towards your own psyche.
I. Preparation
Find a quiet space: Create a peaceful environment where you can sit comfortably with minimal distractions.
Set aside dedicated time: Establish a regular routine for practicing the Work - even just 15-30 minutes each day can yield significant results over time.
Maintain an open mind and heart: Approach this journey with curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to understand yourself more deeply.
II. Self-Observation
Observe your thoughts: Begin by simply watching the stream of thoughts that flow through your mind.
Don't engage with or judge them; merely observe their presence, duration, and nature (e.g., worrying, planning, daydreaming).
Notice your feelings: Pay attention to the emotions that arise within you throughout the day.
Again, don't try to change or suppress them; simply acknowledge their existence and the circumstances that trigger them.
Examine your reactions:
Watch how you respond to various situations, people, and events.
Identify patterns in your behavior, both physical and mental.
III. The Work: Questioning Assumptions
Identify beliefs and assumptions: As you observe yourself, become aware of the underlying beliefs and assumptions that shape your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Question their validity
Ask yourself: Why do I believe this? Is there evidence to support or contradict this belief?
Engage in a dialogue with yourself, challenging your assumptions and exploring alternative perspectives.
Reevaluate and refine: Based on your self-inquiry, adjust your beliefs as needed, discarding those that are no longer valid or useful.
IV. Applying the Work to Daily Life
Practice mindfulness throughout the day: Carry your awareness of thoughts, feelings, and reactions into your everyday activities.
Engage in self-talk: Dialogue with yourself about your assumptions and reactions during various situations. Then STOP. Observe the effects of your internal dialogue.
Reflect on your progress: Set aside time each week to review what you've learned from your self-observation and questioning.
V. Additional Tools
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and insights can help clarify them and facilitate further exploration.
Group work: Gather with like-minded individuals to share your experiences, ask questions, and support one another in the work.
Meditation: Incorporate a simple mindfulness or contemplative practice to develop concentration and inner stillness.
Remember that this work is an ongoing journey of discovery, growth, and self-compassion. Be patient with yourself as you explore the depths of your being, and trust that each insight gained brings you one step closer to understanding and embracing your true nature.
In love and service,
Alroy
Advanced Tasks for Impartial Observance & Objective Information Extraction
The Cityscape Canvas
Observe the urban landscape around your meeting place as if seeing it for the very first time.
Identify patterns, colors, shapes, and contrasts that catch your attention without judging them as good or bad.
Record your observations in a collective notebook, using only objective descriptors (e.g., "red brick buildings," "asymmetric streetlights," "reflective glass surfaces").
The Human Mosaic
Spend an hour in a busy public space (e.g., train station, shopping mall) and observe the people around you.
Divide individuals into categories based on their attire, behavior, or accessories without assigning any personal significance to them (e.g., "person wearing a red scarf," "person with a service dog," "couple holding hands").
Gather your observations in the notebook, focusing solely on external details.
The Interactive Art Installation
Visit an art gallery or museum and choose one contemporary piece that challenges conventional aesthetics.
Study the artwork for 15 minutes without engaging emotionally or intellectually – simply absorb its visual elements and how they interact with your physical presence.
Sketch the artwork in the notebook, capturing lines, shapes, and angles accurately.
The Sensory Symphony
Attend a live music performance, play, or film screening without prior knowledge of the plot or genre.
Focus on the sensory experience – sounds, lights, smells, textures – without letting your expectations or interpretations interfere.
Write down your observations in real-time, noting how different senses react to the stimuli.
The Window Dressing Experiment
Divide into small groups and approach a series of storefronts with blank or uninteresting window displays.
Observe each display from various angles and distances, considering its potential for transformation.
Sketch out initial ideas for modernizing the display based on your observations, keeping in mind the aim to make it eye-catching without relying on personal preferences.
The Impartial Critique
Once the group has agreed upon a design concept for the window display, have each member present their thoughts as if explaining it to an extraterrestrial visitor.
Focus solely on objective elements (e.g., "we will use bright colors," "the display will be asymmetrical") without expressing opinions or subjective reactions.
The Objective Reflection
After implementing and unveiling the modernized window display, gather as a group and observe it from afar.
Each member should share one objective observation about the final result (e.g., "the mannequins are positioned at varying heights," "the lighting creates interesting shadows").
Without judging or evaluating the outcome, discuss how these observations can inform future projects aimed at developing an impartial "I."
By consistently engaging in these advanced tasks, your Fourth Way Work group will strengthen its collective ability to observe and extract objective information, ultimately leading to more insightful and innovative projects like the modernized window display.
__________________________________________
The Tale of the Dog, the Snow Rabbit, and the Wise Old Tortoise
Once upon a time, in a land where snow covered the ground like a sparkling blanket, there lived a swift snow rabbit and a curious dog. The rabbit, with its snowy-white fur, darted across the frozen lake, enjoying the cool air as it leapt from one patch of ice to another. But the dog, full of energy and driven by its instincts, saw the rabbit and gave chase.
The dog’s paws sank lightly into the snow as it ran, its eyes fixed on the rabbit, determined to catch it. The rabbit, knowing the danger it was in, sped up, its little paws barely touching the ground as it bounded across the ice. But as the rabbit darted onto the thinning ice, something inside it felt uneasy. The ice cracked underfoot, groaning under the weight of both the dog and the rabbit.
The dog, oblivious to the danger beneath it, continued to chase the rabbit with all its might. But the moment came when the ice, unable to bear the weight of both creatures, started to crack and give way. With a loud crack, the ice began to splinter, and the dog’s paw broke through the fragile surface, sending a cold shiver through its body.
The rabbit, now just a few leaps ahead, heard the ice groan and turned back. It saw the dog struggling, its body sinking slowly into the cold water below. The rabbit’s heart thudded with fear—not for itself, but for the dog that had once been its pursuer.
And then, in that moment of urgency, the rabbit remembered the wise words of the old tortoise, a mentor who had always taught the young animals to think beyond their instincts. "Harmony is born when we see our brothers and sisters as equals," the tortoise had said, his wise eyes full of understanding. "In each creature, you will find a spark of life, just like your own."
With a deep breath, the rabbit did something unexpected. It turned away from its own safety and, in a burst of courage, grabbed a long, sturdy carrot from its satchel. The carrot, not just a simple vegetable, but a symbol of the rabbit’s strength and kindness, was long and strong enough to reach across the gap between the dog and safety. The rabbit stretched it out with all its might.
The dog, cold and afraid, looked up to see the rabbit’s outstretched carrot. Surprised, but desperate, the dog reached out its paw, trembling, and grasped the carrot. With the rabbit’s help, the dog was slowly, carefully, pulled back to solid ground. The ice beneath them creaked but held firm as the dog was dragged to safety, its body trembling from the cold.
Once the dog was safe on the shore, both animals paused, catching their breath. The dog looked at the rabbit with gratitude, its tail wagging in silent thanks. The rabbit, too, looked at the dog—no longer as prey or predator, but as a fellow creature, full of life and worthy of care.
From that day forward, the dog and the snow rabbit became the best of friends. They spent their days exploring the snowy forests and playing on the icy lakes, not as hunter and hunted, but as equals. They learned that no matter what their nature or their past had been, kindness and respect would always create a bond stronger than any difference.
The wise old tortoise, seeing the two friends from afar, smiled a gentle smile. He had known all along that true harmony comes when we recognize that all beings—no matter their shape, size, or instincts—are deserving of kindness. And so, the dog and the rabbit lived happily ever after, their friendship a testament to the power of compassion and understanding.
And so, remember this: In every heart, there is a spark of goodness, no matter how different it may seem from your own. The more we reach out with kindness, the more we build bridges that bring us all together.
Through the lens of the Fourth Way spiritual practice, as taught by figures like G.I. Gurdjieff, the larger meaning of this fable—the story of the dog, the snow rabbit, and their journey from rivalry to friendship—can be interpreted as an allegory for spiritual transformation, the integration of the lower and higher aspects of the self, and the development of true consciousness.
1. The Dog and Instincts: The Lower Nature
In the Fourth Way system, the dog represents the mechanical, instinctive aspect of the human psyche. The dog’s pursuit of the rabbit is driven by instinct and desire, without awareness of the deeper consequences or dangers. This mirrors how many individuals operate in life: they are often driven by automatic reactions and unconscious impulses, reacting to stimuli without reflection or understanding. In the Fourth Way, this state of being is referred to as the "sleep" of the human mind—where a person acts without conscious intention or awareness of their deeper nature.
The dog’s pursuit of the rabbit, unaware of the danger of the cracking ice, symbolizes how individuals often rush headlong into situations driven by their habitual desires and emotions without considering the bigger picture. The "chasing" of desires—whether they be material, emotional, or intellectual—can lead to harmful consequences, as represented by the ice cracking under the dog's weight. This is a reflection of the dangers of living solely from unconscious impulse and reaction, without integrating the higher, more conscious faculties of the self.
2. The Rabbit and Compassion: The Higher Nature
The rabbit’s transformation in the story can be seen as a metaphor for the development of higher consciousness in the Fourth Way. Initially, the rabbit is caught in the cycle of flight and fear, yet it is in its moment of reflection—the recall of the wise old tortoise's teachings—that it shifts its mindset and acts from compassion and awareness.
In the Fourth Way, the idea of developing the "higher being" involves moving beyond mechanical responses and cultivating the faculties of attention, will, and presence. The rabbit, choosing to act with wisdom and empathy, symbolizes a conscious choice to operate from a higher level of awareness rather than acting from fear or instinct. The act of helping the dog, despite it having been a former "chaser," represents the transcending of dualistic thinking—where one can see beyond opposites (such as predator and prey, self and other) to recognize the deeper unity of all beings.
3. The Tortoise and Wisdom: The Role of the Teacher
The wise old tortoise in the story embodies the presence of a teacher or guide in the Fourth Way tradition. The tortoise’s message—“Harmony is born when we see our brothers and sisters as equals”—speaks to a core principle of the Fourth Way, which emphasizes the development of "right relationships" with oneself and others. In the Fourth Way, "seeing as equals" involves recognizing that all aspects of the self (both the lower instincts and the higher mind) are parts of the whole, and that inner harmony can only be achieved when all parts of the psyche are integrated and balanced.
The tortoise’s wisdom encourages the rabbit (and by extension, all seekers) to step outside of the conflict between the lower and higher aspects of the self and to act with compassion, even toward those who may seem to be in opposition to one’s higher nature. This guidance aligns with the Fourth Way practice of non-judgment, where one learns to accept and understand the interplay between different parts of oneself, rather than fighting or rejecting them.
4. The Carrot: The Power of Conscious Action
The rabbit’s use of the carrot to save the dog can be interpreted as a symbol of the power of conscious action—the capacity to act from a place of higher awareness. The carrot, a simple yet strong tool, represents the potential that exists within everyone to transform their circumstances, even when faced with challenges. In the Fourth Way, this is the concept of "conscious labor" and "intentional suffering," where one learns to use the tools of awareness and will to work through the difficult, often unconscious parts of oneself. By using its strength and wisdom, the rabbit is able to bridge the gap between itself and the dog, much like how a seeker uses conscious effort to bridge the gap between their lower nature and higher, more awakened self.
5. The Transformation: Integration of the Lower and Higher Self
The ultimate transformation in this story is the friendship that forms between the dog and the rabbit. In the Fourth Way, the process of spiritual development involves integrating the lower, instinctive parts of the self with the higher, conscious faculties. The dog and the rabbit’s relationship evolving from predator and prey to companions reflects the reconciliation of these different aspects of the self—mind and body, instinct and intellect, ego and spirit. This harmony is the goal of Fourth Way work: to transcend the inner conflict and achieve a state of unity and balance.
The dog, now rescued, no longer operates solely from its unconscious instincts but is brought into a new state of awareness through the rabbit’s compassion. Similarly, the rabbit, which acted from higher wisdom, now recognizes the dog as a fellow being capable of growth and awareness, not merely as a creature to flee from. This is the union of the higher and lower, the conscious and the unconscious, in a way that leads to greater wisdom and mutual respect.
The Path of the Fourth Way in the Fable
In essence, this story illustrates a key lesson in the Fourth Way tradition: the journey from unconscious, instinctive behavior toward conscious, compassionate action, and the eventual integration of the lower and higher aspects of self. By applying will, attention, and compassion, the rabbit chooses to act from a place of unity, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, while the dog, initially driven by instinct, experiences a shift toward awareness through the help of the rabbit.
The larger spiritual meaning of this fable, in Fourth Way terms, speaks to the essential process of self-development—transforming the “lower nature” into a tool that serves the higher, and the harmonious reconciliation of all parts of the self in the pursuit of true consciousness and unity.
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Si j'étais un véritable poète français, peut-être pourrais-je dire:
Des Racines
Dans
les rues, je me perds,
Errant entre les ombres,
Mon esprit un observateur,
Infiniment distant, un miroir du monde.
Je
suis l’écho du lièvre,
Broutant des racines aux couleurs oubliées,
Mais je ne suis pas la terre,
Je porte le poids du voile séparant l’être du non-être.
Les
pommes de terre, les tomates,
Ne connaissent ni le destin ni la douleur,
Mais quand tu t’éloignes,
Mon cœur se brise en fragments éthérés.
Contre
la marée, je bois le nectar de l’éternel,
Pour clarifier mon regard, mais c'est l'âme qui se tord,
De quoi sert la vision quand tout autour est aveugle ?
Je me cherche, mais mes paroles se fondent dans le vide,
Les vents du temps emportent ce que je tente de dire.
Et
si ma propre essence n’était pas digne de voyager dans cette chair ?
Est-ce un péché de s’égarer, de flâner dans le labyrinthe de l’invisible ?
Dans les ténèbres de l’âme, les chemins se font et se défont,
Mais n’oublie pas,
La lune bleue éclaire ceux qui savent regarder au-delà des voiles,
Et peut-être, dans cette lumière, trouveras-tu ton chemin.
Sur
la voie des Quatre Reflets,
J’ai cherché, j’ai effleuré l’énigme,
La paix m’a échappé, le doute a dévoré ma substance.
Mais
un jour, la vérité a émergé,
Mes pas ont suivi la ligne d’or,
Dans l’ombre infinie, j’ai trouvé la lumière sans forme.
Aujourd’hui,
je veux allumer le feu sacré de la sagesse,
Pour éclairer ceux qui se perdent dans la nuit éternelle.
Sur
la banquise fondante,
Un chien solitaire gémit,
Son esprit dans les brumes rêve d’une flamme,
Qui réchauffe ce qui semble oublié.
Il
désire la lumière,
Devenir ce qu’il est déjà,
Non dans la souffrance,
Mais assez pour sentir l’étreinte du souffle divin.
Encore… Arrête!
Dans les rues, je marche,
Zigzag comme un fou,
Moi-même observant,
Impartial et vrai.
Je suis comme un lapin,
Mangeant des carottes de toutes couleurs,
Mais je ne suis pas un légume,
Je ressens la douleur de l'être séparé.
Les pommes de terre, les tomates,
Ne prennent pas personnellement leur sort,
Pourtant, quand tu t'éloignes du monde,
Mon cœur se brise en mille éclats.
(Même ces légumes contiennent un peu de nicotine)
Contre le courant, je bois du jus de carotte,
Pour fortifier mes yeux, mais c'est mon esprit qui souffre,
Est-il utile de voir clair si le monde est aveugle?
Je m'efforce de me découvrir, mais personne ne voit
Ce que je suis truly en train de dire,
Mes mots se perdent dans les sables du temps.
Et si j'étais indigne de conduire ma propre machine?
Est-ce un péché d'être perdu, de chercher son chemin?
Dans la nuit de l'âme, il est facile de se tromper,
Mais n'oublie pas,
La lune bleue brille pour ceux qui savent la voir,
Et peut-être que bientôt, tu trouveras ta voie.
Sur la voie de quat'reflets,
J'ai cherché, j'ai tâtonné,
La paix m'a fuie, le doute m'a rongé.
Mais un jour, j'ai compris,
Mes pas suivaient la voie droite,
Dans l'ombre, j'avais trouvé ma lumière.
Maintenant, je souhaite,
Allumer le feu de sagesse,
Pour guider ceux qui cherchent dans la nuit.
Sur la banquise qui fond,
Un chien abandonné gémit,
Son esprit rêve d'un feu,
Qui réchaufferait son cœur.
Il aspire à la lumière,
À découvrir son essence true,
Mais pas dans la douleur,
Juste assez pour se sentir vivre.
Et peut-être…''Arrêtez''
Je désirerais chevaucher mille vents,
Pour ne point éclipser l'âme qui marche à mes côtés,
Tu serais mon feu sacré, l'étoile dans l'obscurité,
Éclairant mon sentier, dans le flot de l’éternité.
Mais le lieu où je cherche l’Unité,
C'est à bord du vaisseau d’Occasion,
Toi, moi, et tous nos semblables,
Pour traverser les vastes horizons de l’infini, dans l’âme.
Je me suis vu boire seul,
Et j'ai décidé d'arrêter,
Mais je n'ai jamais cessé d'être seul,
Attaché à mon propre moi.
J'ai oublié que nous sommes tous Un,
Dans cette danse de la vie et de l'amour,
N'oublie pas, cher Idiot,
Mais ne force personne à se souvenir.
Je me suis vu, perdu dans l’illusion de l’isolement,
Et j'ai cherché à rompre les chaînes de ma solitude,
Mais dans la vérité, je n’ai cessé d’être Un,
Égaré dans l'écho de mon propre reflet.
J'ai oublié que nous sommes la même Essence,
Dans cette danse cosmique de la Vie et de l’Amour,
Ne l’oublie pas, cher Voyageur,
Mais laisse chaque âme trouver son éveil en son temps.
Et peut-être… Arrêter!
Nous voici au cœur du problème,
Notre besoin de sommeil est le moteur,
Je n'ai jamais essayé de drainer mes rêves,
Pourtant, il y a une force qui les maintient en vie,
Sans notre aide, elle œuvre
Que celui ou celle qui agit ainsi soit remercié,
Prie pour ceux qui sont entre deux mondes,
Entre veille et sommeil, ils voguent,
Sur les flots de l'inconscient, à la merci des vents.
Et peut-être…
Apprends à distinguer tes mains de tes pieds,
Économise ton énergie, déroule le film de ta vie,
Pour voir en toi quelque chose d'impartial,
Une lumière qui brille au-delà...
Car nous sommes tous des êtres complexes,
Made of flesh and blood, but also of dreams,
Il faut apprendre à se connaître soi-même,
Avant de pouvoir comprendre l'autre.
Je pense,
Je peux,
Je finis.
Fin.
Arrête!
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