A Bridge to Reality

A Bridge to Reality - An Introduction to the Gurdjieff Teachings by George Jeffery

A book for the 21^st Century. Refreshingly contemporary commentaries distilled from talks given by George Jeffery as an introduction to the fundamental ideas of the Gurdjieff teaching. Many regard it as the clearest introduction to what is referred to as the 'Work' or the 'Fourth Way'. A Bridge to Reality not only explains Gurdjieff's ideas, it also gives an idea of what it entails to be in a Gurdjieff group and what is required to follow the teaching.

At the end of each chapter questions and answers selected from various meetings cover common queries about the teaching and its practice. A central tenet of the teaching is highlighted - that it is for each person to confirm the fundamental truth of the teaching for themselves. It is certainly not presented as a 'doctrine' to be followed without question. Indeed it could be said that active questioning is central to the practice.

Covering all key topics, it serves both as introduction and an invaluable reference for the experienced. This is a book that the reader will turn to again and again should they choose to pursue the Fourth Way.

Subjects covered include:

Knowledge, Being and Understanding, the concept of Truth

Essence, Conditioning, Personality, False Personality

The Seven Centres: our different centres of intelligence

Multiplicity of I's

The Idea of Conscience and the Four Levels of Consciousness

The Laws of Three and Seven

The Ray of Creation

The Food Octaves within the human system

Cause and Effect

Detrimental Functions

The Four Bodies

For those who knew George, the enduring memories are of a penetrating intelligence, mischievous wit, a radical streak, and the sense of having been in the presence of a truly wise man. Aged 27, he contracted severe polio and following 2 years in hospital emerged wheelchair-bound, but he was a man who throughout his life turned adversity into strength. He channelled this determination into his burning desire to discover the meaning of humanity's existence on this Earth, how to live out our purpose to its best. George joined a Gurdjieff group in 1959 and found a practical system designed to be experienced in everyday life. It was what he had been searching for. In the 1970s he started his own groups, following closely the teachings of Gurdjieff himself. His groups attracted large numbers of young people with their inclusive attitude and dynamism. He also forged close friendships with Tibetan Rimpoches who recognised in him a fellow seeker of truth. Another close friend was Rina Hands who had been with Gurdjieff in France. George and Rina's groups met and worked together regularly throughout the 1980s. Many carry on practising Gurdjieff's system in George's spirit, with a lightness of touch yet deep sincerity. It is an approach relevant to our times as we face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.