The Fourth Way is a method of Consciousness Development developed by the mystic teacher G. Gurdjieff in the early 1900s. He developed this eclectic system based on his training in many diverse esoteric systems ranging from Sufism to mystic Yoga, monks in various esoteric schools and monasteries, and more.
It is called the Fourth Way because it integrates the three traditional ways of enlightenment:
- The Way of the Fakir: Attaining enlightenment through transcending the physical body
- The Way of the Monk: Attaining enlightenment through prayer, faith, and emotional transcendence
- The Way of the Yogi: Attaining enlightenment through knowledge and transcending the mind
He realized that the three traditional ways only result in the development of one aspect of ourselves: the body, the heart, OR the mind. The fourth way is developed to work on all three parts at the same time.
The fourth way is also different in that it is meant to be practiced in everyday life wherever we are in contrast to the traditional methods that generally demand retreating from society and dedicating life to living in a closed setting. The fourth way is meant to be completely practical to improve our everyday interactions.
Below you will find some of the top resources for an introduction to The Fourth Way:
The Master and the Carriage
This video covers some of the central concepts of the fourth way teachings and about the difference between the mind and the master.
The Psychology of Man’s Possible Evolution
In Search of the Miraculous
The Fourth Way
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