Over the past decade there has been a growing interest in the paranormal, and due to such, we have also witnessed a resurgence in Fourth Way literature. Long before I was introduced to the Necronomicon, or divination in general, I was introduced to the teachings of Gurdjieff by a Fourth Way initiate over a decade ago. I thought it would be good to gloss over some of the Fourth Way principles that I learned during my studies. I would also like to add that one reason why I feel this is necessary at this time is due to a growing amount of misinformation that I see circulating across the internet about the Fourth Way. Some people who have never even been initiated into Fourth Way studies are now claiming to be a “master” of a Fourth Way school. here are a few points to consider when searching for Fourth Way Teachings.
1) It is Not Easy Finding and Authentic Fourth Way School.
Authentic Fourth Way Schools do not put a lot into advertising and very rarely will you see the subject discussed by Initiates of the system all across the internet. However, you will see readers of Fourth Way material all over the internet, but we should know that there is a big difference between the Initiate and a reader of Gurdjieff material. Fourth Way Initiate Anthony Blake mentions the following in this online article http://www.duversity.org/PDF/No.%2026%20MR%20BENNETT%20AND%20DAGLINGWORTH.pdf
“The Fourth Way is not an expression of any particular tradition – e.g. it is not just a part of Naqshbandi Sufism – nor is it some eclectic amalgamation from several traditions. There is a directness of connection with the Source which bypasses the established chains of transmission while, at the same time, being able to tap into these. …The transition is made possible by a teacher operating on a certain level. Without the teacher, the situation could not be sustained. The Fourth Way is predominantly a co-operative effort, but the reality of the co-operation or synergy has to be entrusted to the teacher.”
2) Focusing on Reading More that the Work.
Another unique feature of an authentic Fourth Way School is that it focusses on the work, not what is read in books. In all actuality when one is first introduced into an authentic Fourth Way School it is not uncommon for the student to be told to stop reading material written about Gurdjieff and others, as it may deter one’s growth. This how one can identify an authentic Fourth Way Initiate. you will find little information in this regard. It is almost like an oral tradition, but I was able to catch a slight reference to this on the following link http://www.gurdjieff-heritage-society.org/excerptsbook.htm:
“However, it was often the Movements that attracted Westerners to the Work and many of these gained understanding, and often had profound experiences from working with Movements long before they learned of the “Ideas” through verbal expositions. Notably my mother, Jessmin Howarth, and her friend and colleague, Jeanne de Salzmann, both of whom abandoned successful dance and teaching careers after being exposed to Movements, to devote their lives to Gurdjieff’s “System”— before reading any books, hearing any lectures or group discussions. They continued actively instructing and preserving the Work, especially the Movements, until their respective deaths at the ages of ninety-two and one hundred and one.”
The principal about all of this is that the Gurdjieff material is sometimes written in wherein the terms may mean one thing to the layman, but something entirely different to those in the work. Nothing can be gained by the study of conclusions, and this is why workers of the Fourth Way do not really discuss “book information” to those beginning on the path because it is not useful.
3) No Fourth Way Teacher Will Ever Call Himself A “Master”
It is important we are taught Fourth Way methods by a capable teacher. This teacher must be an initiate of the Fourth Way, not someone who just read a few books and can toss ideas around.Gurdjieff indicated that there are fake schools where the teacher either:
- May be genuinely mistaken and think that he knows something, when in reality he knows nothing.
- May believe another man, who in his turn may be mistaken.
- May deceive consciously.
Fourth Way Teacher Denounces The Cult of Cthulhu Philosophy
Many who are familiar with the Cult of Cthulhu’s philosophy of addressing the beloved leader of the cult as “master” or the “I am the way,” will notice that these practices has nothing at all to do with Fourth Way teachings. When we compare the two videos see below this is clearly evident. Although, High Priest Venger Santanis promotes the CoC as if it is a Fourth Way School while demanding that all members of the CoC address him as “master.” The first video that appears below is conducted by James J. Traitz, someone who is highly educated in Fourth Way philosophy. The next video is “Master” Venger Satanis. Notice the differences of approach and how the CoC’s teachings are not Fourth Way Teachings
Now we will take a look at how “Master” Venger completely contradicts all of this:
Notice how all of what is said in Venger’s video still contradicts the heart of the Fourth Way teachings, though it is a noble approach:
After gleeming from these insights, let us look at another description given to us by Vemger Satanis himself who claims that the CoC is a Fourth Way School:
In the video below we get a little bit more insight into the foundation of Fourth Way thought. Notice how it differas from what Venger presents as a Fourth Way school:
I thought this was interesting, as it somewhat parallels my own thoughts, you can find them here…
http://www.satanicinternationalnetwork.com/forum/topic/644?&page=2
Interestingly.. Your analysis of the eneagram above is pretty close to on point.. I’m not so sure about the ‘saint’ as Gurdjieff would’ve contended it to represent the mechanical. Still overall good stuff.
I agree, Brother. It is like the old Oriental axiom, “…he who knows, does not speak…”
ibid.
If I continue to be your primary inspiration for blogging, Warlock Asylum, then I am gratified.
Is it easy to find an authentic Fourth Way school? Of course not, as you said. But when you do find such a teacher, put all your trust into him. That’s my advice.
Should a Fourth Way school focus on The Work itself more than the writing of Gurdjieff, Ouspensky, and other Masters? Yes, I also agree with this. 4th Way literature makes for a great beginning, but rare is the student who can sustain himself upon the written word alone.
Will a Fourth Way teacher ever call himself a “Master”? Sure, why not? Here, it would seem, I am to be yet again tested. Which is fine, of course. I’m used to it. Yes, question my practices, my actions, my instruction, and whatever legitimacy might be standing upon the precipice above a seething Anti-Vengerism below. But don’t worry, neither Warlock Asylum nor T.C. Downey have hurt my feelings. That luminous and chartreuse sardonic grin remains frozen to my loathsome visage.
I call myself a Fourth Way Master because that is what I believe myself to be and have verified it to my satisfaction. Others are free to disagree. But one last thing… it seems that a serious 4th Way practitioner should hesitate, perhaps looking deep within himself, before using words like “ever” or “always” or “never”.
Awake!
Venger As’Nas Satanis
High Priest
Cult of Cthulhu
I am beginning to question the wisdom of continuing the effort to enlighten Darrick Dishaw. He demonstrates repeatedly that he chooses to not have the eyes to see nor ears to hear what to so many other learned observers is obvious. What is to be done with someone who refuses to Awake even slightly, who squeezes tight his eyes and places the pillow round his head to shut out the light of reason and the subtle whispers of the possibility of a world far greater and more wonderful than the petty dreamland he rules in slumber?
I have said before that Darrick had a good idea. It is in the execution where he stumbles. Some people can fuck up a wet dream.
Darrick has obviously begun with a cursory understanding of all the elements which form the foundation of his Cult of Cthulhu, and has built a upon it a paper-thin castle. How can he acknowledge these criticisms in any real fashion? How can he even think to acknowledge the sometimes superior wisdom or perspective of those he has tried so hard to place beneath him in his mind’s eye? His self-proclaimed greateness cannot even tolerate the possibility of equals. To do so would be to admit his error and failings to his followers, and worse to diminish his image in his own mind.
It is easier to assume you have all the answers than to seek them out.
My question is, by what manner do any of us profit from poking holes in this petty tyrant’s delusions? He sees our criticisms as persecutions, and likens himself with so many other persecuted “prophets” of the past. He doesn’t hear what any of us are saying… he sees only more evidence of his messianic-state.
This current Dishaw-Cycle is reaching its end. You see it in his past dealings; he cultivates relationships with wise and charismatic individuals while down-playing his personal delusions. He allows them to make allowances for his delusional behavior while they continue to support him. When his delusions can no longer be excused, and eruption occurs leaving both sides at odds. He demonizes his former allies and uses their criticism as proof of his righteousness. He then attracts the next set of wise and charismatic individuals willing to see for themselves what all the fuss is about.
I give it about a year, two at most, before we see this cycle repeat itself in full. He managed a couple of relatively high-profile individuals this cycle, which will either be to his benefit if the continued rising of our stock attracts other persons of merit to his association (even temporarily), or will be to is detriment as his two strongest former supporters now just shake their heads in disappointment every time the CoC is mentioned in their presence.
Meanwhile, I think most of us have bigger fish to fry in pursuit of our own Awakening and individual success. Darrick Dishaw is a minor distraction… and I for one am growing weary of picking on the retarded-kid on the playground no matter how many times he asks me to hit him. He is desperate for attention. What do we gain by giving it to him?
This article by Warlock Asylum, while directed mainly at the Cult of Cthulhu and Darrck Dishaw, highlights the risks in investing too much time and energy into any school or philosophy without understanding if not fully at least the majority of what one is getting into. It also demonstrates that the greatest teachers instruct by example, not by proclamation. Some will seek leaders worthy of emulation and become leaders themselves by their own example. Some know the value of having interactions with equals and the encouragement of comradery and will become leaders in their own right. The least will seek only followers as the path to leadership and be poorer for it.
Thanks Brother Ego Diabolus. I think that sums it up very well.
You guys must be kidding. First of all, the only real fourth way school is the one that Gurdjieff created. It does not advertise but it can be found: The Gurdjieff Foundation. It was created at Gurdjieff’s direction by Jeanne de Salzmann and Lord Pentland and other major figures in the Gurdjieff work. Unlike the Bennett school it is not about your money. There are no “Fourth Way Initiates”. If anyone says they’re “an initiate”, they’re making it up. Initiation is not part of the fourth way. There is absolutely no connection between diabolism, temple of Seth, etc etc, and the Gurdjieff Work. And btw do you actually suppose the Necronomicon is a real book? It was part of HP Lovecraft’s fantasy, purely. (I know, some enterprising person wrote a “Necronomicon” and published it a decade or so ago but that was just made up stuff too.) Maybe you were being facetious. I recommend you read the Gurdjieff biography by James Moore, In Search of the Miraculous by Ouspensky or, if you want a quicker, easier introduction, there’s my own “Gurdjieff: An Introduction to his Life and Ideas” (Penguin/Tarcher) which you can find on amazon.
You must be kidding us. You write a reply and only mention things that have “happened to you.” What Fourth Way School are you a part of? This way we know to keep them on the beware list. No one said that Lovecraft’s book was real. If you want to know our perspective and why we use such terms, please read the following posts:
http://warlockasylum.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/interview-with-denny-sargent-a-friend-of-the-authors-of-the-simon-necronomicon/
http://warlockasylum.wordpress.com/the-necronomicon-tradition/the-ancient-art-of-gatewalking/
I know Gurdjieff well. We are not followers of Gurdjieff, for in the deeper teaching you cannot follow a dead man. He isn’t there to instruct you in the meaning of his words. Read Kyroot Speaks! Since you do not know of the initiations we speak of we can only conclude that your comments were made with a lack of knowledge as to what we are about.
We do appreciate your zeal and I am sure that you are well-equipped on the path you are on, and we are equipped in our knowledge too. The wisdom we have gained tells us that it isn’t wise to go on somebody’s blog page and make random comments before getting the whole story.
Have a blessed afternoon.
Thank you for this useful information
Yes, thank you from me too
nice post