A Master of Oneself

Gurdjieff would explain, “Being a master of oneself,” is a key to man's happiness and continual growth. His ideas clearly tell us that man’s present mental state that he is in deep sleep and unconscious and there is no real future for mankind: man is governed by his instincts, negative emotions, and he reacts to life rather than actively participates fully and consciously.

We believe and think we can do and that we have freedom to choose. If we were free, why is it that we may see what is best and follow what is worse? The idea that we have free will is probably the greatest hoax to mankind.

True freedom, is knowing we are a part of infinite nature and that we understand and follow her laws. This follows necessarily as true knowledge becomes clearer to us. Understanding is a part of the mind that has clear ideas; we can see from our mind’s eye that we are a part of God and his perfection.

Gurdjieff’s idea of the necessity of a group is paramount in the process of self-discovery. Without a group, it is so easy to have the illusion we are making progress. He explains that only with other individuals is it possible to wake up the spiritual intelligence within us. Other individuals have the opportunity to see areas in our nature we normally hide. A knowledgeable teacher or leader who knows the way is necessary. You want to have an absolute trust and faith that this knowledge is available to you, and you want to be open to receive it.