J.G.Bennett‟s Interpretation of the Teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff - a Study of Transmission in the Fourth Way

Abstract Contents Acknowledgements Introduction Sources Structure and Argument Gurdjieff, Bennett and the Fourth Way Abstract. Introduction. Fourth Way Transmission Gurdjieff: a “fourth way teacher”. How can authentic lineage be determined? Methodological responses. The lineage problem reformulated. Gurdjieffians and Post-Gurdjieffians Gurdjieff's pupils. The post-Gurdjieff era. The ‘non-lineal pretenders’. The special significance of J.G.Bennett. The orthodoxy's view of Bennett. Bennett's own understanding of his relationship to Gurdjieff. Deep continuity. The Great Work Ultimate and terrestrial scales of the Great Work. Christ: Incarnation and Parousia. The human situation. Terrestrial evolution: life, man and the “Demiurgic Intelligences”. The terrestrial “esoteric centre”. Bennett's understanding of the Fourth Way. Bennett as exemplar of the fourth way. “Deep continuity” and the fourth way. Conclusion: implications and questions. Notes and References to Chapter 1 The International Academy for Continuous Education Abstract. Introduction. Background The Teaching at Sherborne Introduction. Inner Exercises. The Decision Exercise. Gurdjieff Movements. Self Observation and practical work. Counselling ‘Idiotism’ The ‘Aesthetic Element.’ Psycho-cosmology. Content. Context. Conclusions: Was the academy Gurdjieffian? ‘Receptive lines of Work’ Summary. The Purpose of Sherborne Introduction. A School of the Fourth Way. Making a New World... Training of Fourth Way Candidates. Ashiata Shiemash. The Great Work, the Parousia and the Higher Powers. The Relevance of Gurdjieff. Obligation. “Group Consciousness”. Transformation of Energies. Summary. Conclusion. J.G.Bennett and the ‘Gurdjieff Tradition’ Introduction. Deep Continuity Revisited. Bennett in the light of the orthodoxy’s critique. “Substance of Work” Conclusion: The Structure of Bennett’s Position Notes and References to Chapter 2 Psycho-Cosmological Ideas Abstract Sources Part 1: Gurdjieff’s Doctrine of the Human Condition and Human Possibility. Introduction Psycho-Cosmological ‘fragments’. The Psychological Perspectives. Man is not as he believes himself to be. Centres. Essence development and Higher Bodies. Personality. Psychophysiology. The ‘paradox’ of the human situation. Humanity is ‘hypnotized.’ The Cosmological Perspectives. Cosmological perspectives in Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson. The cosmological perspective in In Search of the Miraculous. Beelzebub and ISOM compared. The allegory of the two rivers. Conclusions. Part 2: Comparisons The Great Work and Cosmic Evolution Time: Entropy and Redemption Planetary Evolution The Great Work and Work on Oneself Terrestrial Evolution, Sacred History and the Origin of Sin The primaeval hiatus in human development Bennett’s Scenario Issues and Comparison ‘Cosmic hazard’ versus ‘local hazard’. Demiurgic sin, or Angelic error? An hiatus in human development. The transmission of sinfulness. Human development versus human decline Christianity Bennett’s Christology Cosmic Energies. Sin and the Incarnation. Parousia. Esoteric Christianity “A virile version of the Gospels” Maurice Nicoll Was Gurdjieff a Christian? Christ and the other Sacred Messengers Parousia Angels, Demiurgic Intelligences and Higher Powers Demurgic Intelligences Gurdjieff’s Angelology Angels, Archangels and the Great Chain of Being Angels are born ‘perfect’ Angels are distinct from higher man The role of angels Angelic development Comparisons Notes and References to Chapter 3 Gurdjieff, Transmission and the Esoteric Centre Abstract The idea of the esoteric centre Gurdjieff’s idea of the esoteric centre The esoteric centre and the inner circles of humanity Transmission and Initiation. The Esoteric Centre in Gurdjieff’s Writings Indications in the Third Series and Herald of Coming Good. Meetings With Remarkable Men. Prince Yuri Lubovedsky, Professor Skridlov and Gurdjieff. The Sarmoung brotherhood. The World Brotherhood. Beelzebub The structure of Beelzebub. Time line 1. Time Line 2. The ‘crossing of the time lines’. Pole Star and Esoteric Centre. Deskaldino and Central Asia. Hadji-Asvatz-Troov and the Sarmoung Brotherhood. Purgatory, after death experience and reincarnation Purgatory and the “World Brotherhood”. Three aspects of the esoteric centre. Conclusion. Notes and References to Chapter 4 Spiritual Psychology Abstract Introduction The Fundamental Octave of Creation. Faculties of Essence. Gurdjieff's Sevenfold Typology of Man. The Formation of Higher Bodies. Higher bodies and higher centres. The Work of Man No.5 and Man No. 6 The Circles of Humanity. The Household Analogy. The Two Rivers. Concluding Remarks. Bennett’s Emphasis on Balance Between Effort and Grace. The Four Sources Sevenfold Work. Gurdjieff’s three lines of work. Bennett’s seven lines. Archetypal sevenfoldness. Sevenfoldness ‘versus’ fourfoldness. Bennett’s lines of work in the context of Gurdjieff’s teachings. Active lines of work. Receptive lines of work. The Great Work Context. Notes and References to Chapter 5 Bennett as Pupil and Teacher Abstract Part 1: 1920-1949 Early Contact With Gurdjieff Constantinople Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man. Higher Emotional Energy. The experience A Gurdjieffian interpretation. The ‘Great Reservoir’. Conclusion. Ouspensky Ouspensky’s reasons for leaving Gurdjieff. The Gurdjieffian critique. Criteria of connection. Ouspensky’s ‘school’. Bennett as a pupil of Ouspensky. Bennett as Teacher. Basic history. Human evolution. Was it an authentic transmission? Final Contact With Gurdjieff. Bennett’s stage of development. Bennett’s status. Part 2: Continuity, Impasse and Search. Gurdjieff’s Intentions. Dissemination and purpose Authority structure. Organization After Gurdjieff’s Death. Authority and Groups. Bennett initial attitude. Impasse First Line of Work : Bennett’s own state. Second Line of Work: Bennett as teacher. Third Line of Work: search for context and source. 1953 Journey. Emin Chikhou and Naq’shbandi Sufis Return to England 1955 journey. Summary Subud. Background Subud: origin and basic doctrine Bennett, Coombe Springs and Subud Prophecy and Impasse Prophecy Impasse Experience Comparative Doctrine Jiwa and essence Purification and conscience Grace and effort Contact with higher centres and building of higher bodies Submission and gnosis Subud and the Gurdjieff path Disaffection After Subud Part 3: The Final Phases and Beyond Idries Shah The Gurdjieffians’ attitude to Shah Bennett’s perspective on Shah External evidence Direct spiritual perception Hasan Shushud Gary Chicoine Notes and References to Chapter 6 Conclusion Notes and References to Conclusion Appendix 1: Bennett Chronology Appendix 2: Chronology of Beelzebub. Bibliography J.G.Bennett Lectures on Cassette Tapes