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Gurdjieff, A Beginner's Guide: How Changing The Way We React To Misplacing Our Keys Can Transform Our Lives
2011 Update Are you ready for self-transformation?Many spiritual teachers promise transformation, but Georges Ivanovitch Gurdjieff delivers. Gurdjieff (1872-1949) was born in Alexandropol on the border of Russia and Turkey. Gurdjieff's teachings contain many concepts that, taken together are referred to as the Work. The idea behind the Work is that our first birth is our physical body, which is all we need to get through life. But we are capable of developing into something higher, just as an acorn can stay an acorn and die or develop into an Oak Tree, we can develop into something higher. Gurdjieff offers a radically original version of man and his potential for self-development. "Gurdjieff, A Beginner's How Changing the Way We React To Misplacing Our Keys Can Transform Our Lives" is a beginning guide to the teachings of Gurdjieff. Practical and eminently readable, it leads the reader through some of the main concepts necessary for self-transformation.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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September 2, 2021Deja Vudoo
I had a friend in Berkeley, during my college years, who believed in Gurdjieff’s teachings. He claimed to be a genius, and maybe he was. He was an odd person, but he was also interesting. Gary taught me how to do hypnosis, even self-hypnosis, and we talked about many things. One night we went to see the Rocky Horror picture show, and he dressed up as a belly dancer. Imagine Mick Jagger’s body in a belly dancer outfit. He wont first prize. I called him a couple of times after leaving Berkeley, and later when I tried to call him, his phone was disconnected. Terry, another friend of his, said that she had not heard from f him.
So, the other night I had a dream about reading Gurdjieff, so when I woke up, I bought this book. I am glad that I didn’t buy the larger one that was in my dreams. What I dreamed: The Corona virus had ended, so we could go into stores. I walked into a used bookstore, and on the table was a book by Gurdjieff. It was like a binder with 8x10 inch pages of his lectures placed inside. The store owner only wanted $4.99 for it. I thought to buy it, but walked around the store some more, and there was another just like it. She saw that I was interested and tried to sell me on her own guru. I bought the book and left the store with it. End of dream.
I began reading this book, and he reminded me of a salesperson, especially those in some religions. I could hear the Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door asking me how I felt about the problems in our world: “Would you like to live in a better world where there is no sickness, death or crime?” Or some yogic traditions who speak just about the same as Gurdjieff. Gurdjieff went the route of happiness. If you are miserable, he will teach you how to be happy. It came down to stoicism, which I believe was Buddha’s method. When I was in Buddhism, I grew tired of listening to lectures on suffering and ho to end it. But I won’t say that it doesn’t work. Gurdjieff also used positive thinking, and that works too. Just that I can take so much of these teachings. I now hate it when people tell me to be positive and put me down if I say anything negative, which is why I stay away from New Agers as best I can. Still, like I said, the book has its good points. But one can get carried away. They just are not going to take me with them.
I had a friend in Berkeley, during my college years, who believed in Gurdjieff’s teachings. He claimed to be a genius, and maybe he was. He was an odd person, but he was also interesting. Gary taught me how to do hypnosis, even self-hypnosis, and we talked about many things. One night we went to see the Rocky Horror picture show, and he dressed up as a belly dancer. Imagine Mick Jagger’s body in a belly dancer outfit. He wont first prize. I called him a couple of times after leaving Berkeley, and later when I tried to call him, his phone was disconnected. Terry, another friend of his, said that she had not heard from f him.
So, the other night I had a dream about reading Gurdjieff, so when I woke up, I bought this book. I am glad that I didn’t buy the larger one that was in my dreams. What I dreamed: The Corona virus had ended, so we could go into stores. I walked into a used bookstore, and on the table was a book by Gurdjieff. It was like a binder with 8x10 inch pages of his lectures placed inside. The store owner only wanted $4.99 for it. I thought to buy it, but walked around the store some more, and there was another just like it. She saw that I was interested and tried to sell me on her own guru. I bought the book and left the store with it. End of dream.
I began reading this book, and he reminded me of a salesperson, especially those in some religions. I could hear the Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door asking me how I felt about the problems in our world: “Would you like to live in a better world where there is no sickness, death or crime?” Or some yogic traditions who speak just about the same as Gurdjieff. Gurdjieff went the route of happiness. If you are miserable, he will teach you how to be happy. It came down to stoicism, which I believe was Buddha’s method. When I was in Buddhism, I grew tired of listening to lectures on suffering and ho to end it. But I won’t say that it doesn’t work. Gurdjieff also used positive thinking, and that works too. Just that I can take so much of these teachings. I now hate it when people tell me to be positive and put me down if I say anything negative, which is why I stay away from New Agers as best I can. Still, like I said, the book has its good points. But one can get carried away. They just are not going to take me with them.
July 16, 2020
I was feeling particularly lonely in my pandemic isolation when I was struck with the notion to entertain myself watching Bill Murray clips...I mean if anyone could navigate a pandemic with wit and nonchalance it would be Murray...my second video was a break down of Bill's philosophy and in it the narrator mentioned Gurdjieff and The Fourth Way. Here is where I started...with a beginners guide. As a beginners guide it is very simple and accessible which I am being told books by the actual man are hard to follow. None of the ideas are new...at least as a person who has practiced and read Buddhist, Sufi and other esoteric spiritual/philosophy...but it had some interesting practices and approaches that were unique. I generally try and say in my reviews who this is a good book for...and truthfully I don't know who it is good for...It popped into my life with a synchronicity that felt right and it spoke to me in a way I needed to hear and be reminded about in this crazy time and space.
“I will tell you one thing that will make you rich for life. There are two struggles: an Inner-world struggle and an Outer-world struggle...you must make an intentional contact between these two worlds; then you can crystallize data for the Third World, the World of the Soul.”
-- G. I. Gurdjieff
“I will tell you one thing that will make you rich for life. There are two struggles: an Inner-world struggle and an Outer-world struggle...you must make an intentional contact between these two worlds; then you can crystallize data for the Third World, the World of the Soul.”
-- G. I. Gurdjieff
November 25, 2014
When I grew up, my parents would occasionally go to Gurdjieff group meetings. We weren't a religious family, so that was the closest we came. Although I was hanging out with the kids rather than participating, I always wondered what was going on and meant to read about the concept somewhere down the line. I decided to finally check it out, and this seemed like an approachable guide.
To put the entire idea into a few sentences it would be something like this: We have control over our emotions and being. The Wikipedia article says it more abstractly: 'Gurdjieff claimed that people cannot perceive reality in their current states because they do not possess consciousness but rather live in a state of a hypnotic "waking sleep."'. It reminded me a lot of the This is Water essay which focuses on a similar idea. This very introductory guide surely only touches on the basics, but many of the principles I could see influencing my parents, and my development growing up as well.
Although the book is a good introduction to The Work, it only touches skin deep.
To put the entire idea into a few sentences it would be something like this: We have control over our emotions and being. The Wikipedia article says it more abstractly: 'Gurdjieff claimed that people cannot perceive reality in their current states because they do not possess consciousness but rather live in a state of a hypnotic "waking sleep."'. It reminded me a lot of the This is Water essay which focuses on a similar idea. This very introductory guide surely only touches on the basics, but many of the principles I could see influencing my parents, and my development growing up as well.
Although the book is a good introduction to The Work, it only touches skin deep.
June 20, 2014
How we think about the things that occur in our lives is our decision. Simplistically, Gurdjieff, like many others before him, suggests that we can choose how to interpret different events in our lives and by doing so, change our own lives. For example, if the sewer backs up and wrecks the carpet - you can moan and groan and cry "Why me?". OR you can see it as a definitive reason to get rid of the old carpet that you hated anyway and start looking for new flooring. One way makes you a victim - the other makes you a winner. Which do you want to be. It IS your choice.
January 6, 2018
Excellent, but challenging introduction to the work of Gurdjieff and teaching of Ospensky. If you have an interest in understanding,and improving self, This is a great place to begin.
This is an excellent introduction into the work of Gurdjieff and the teaching of Ouspensky. If you have had any curiosity into the study and improvement of your inner self, this is a great book in which to start your journey. Very concise and brilliantly easy to read.
This is an excellent introduction into the work of Gurdjieff and the teaching of Ouspensky. If you have had any curiosity into the study and improvement of your inner self, this is a great book in which to start your journey. Very concise and brilliantly easy to read.
February 7, 2017
Simple and readable introduction to the Work
I thorough enjoyed the content (of course) and very readable style of this book. I have read a couple of other books on the Work and how to start/apply it and would recommend this book widely for beginners to get a good and simple introduction to some of the core concepts of the Work.
I thorough enjoyed the content (of course) and very readable style of this book. I have read a couple of other books on the Work and how to start/apply it and would recommend this book widely for beginners to get a good and simple introduction to some of the core concepts of the Work.
June 18, 2017
Good, for what it was, a superficial introduction, familiarization of Gurdjieff.
April 22, 2019
Useful!
Practical information and, as far as I can tell, thorough. I will be referring to this book on frequent occasions.
Practical information and, as far as I can tell, thorough. I will be referring to this book on frequent occasions.
July 9, 2025
Alright, so you've heard the name Gurdjieff floating around, maybe seen it in a spiritual bookshop or a philosophy discussion, and thought, "Who's that dude and what's he all about?" If that's you, then Gil Friedman's Gurdjieff: A Beginner's Guide is probably a pretty good place to start.
Let's be real, Gurdjieff's ideas can be a bit… out there. He wasn't exactly known for his straightforward, easy-to-digest teachings. Think more cryptic parables and intense self-observation than "five easy steps to enlightenment." That's where Friedman's book really shines. He manages to untangle a lot of that complexity and present it in a way that doesn't make your head spin.
This isn't a deep dive for the seasoned Gurdjieffian, but it's perfect for someone who's curious but doesn't want to get lost in the weeds right away. Friedman breaks down the core concepts – like "self-remembering," "conscious labor," and the whole "Work" thing – into understandable chunks. He doesn't shy away from the more esoteric bits, but he explains them clearly enough that you feel like you're actually getting somewhere, rather than just scratching your head.
What I really liked is that it feels less like a dry academic text and more like a friendly, knowledgeable guide walking you through a somewhat mysterious landscape. You get a sense of why Gurdjieff's ideas are considered so powerful and transformative, without feeling overwhelmed by jargon.
Now, if you've ever dipped into Osho's talks, you might find some interesting parallels and divergences here. Osho himself held Gurdjieff in high regard, even referring to his path as "the Fourth Way" just like Gurdjieff did. Both masters emphasized the idea that most people live in a state of "sleep" or "unconsciousness," and that true transformation requires a deliberate effort to wake up. They both challenged conventional notions of spirituality and urged individuals to find their own truth rather than blindly following dogma.
However, their approaches could feel quite different. Gurdjieff's "Work" often involved intense, sometimes confrontational methods designed to shake people out of their mechanical habits. It was about facing discomfort and developing conscious awareness through arduous effort. Osho, while also challenging, often brought in elements of playfulness, celebration, and acceptance. His methods leaned more towards meditation, dance, and expression, aiming to create a space where transformation could happen organically through joyful awareness rather than sheer willpower alone.
So, while Gurdjieff might be seen as the stern, uncompromising taskmaster pushing you to wake up, Osho might be the mischievous friend inviting you to dance your way into awakening. Friedman's book definitely gives you a clear sense of Gurdjieff's serious and demanding path, which is a good foundation before you start exploring how other teachers, like Osho, interpreted and expanded upon similar themes of consciousness and self-discovery.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the fascinating world of Gurdjieff's teachings without getting completely lost in the deep end, then definitely give Gurdjieff: A Beginner's Guide a read. It's a solid, approachable introduction that might just spark a much deeper interest in this unique spiritual tradition and, perhaps, even inspire you to explore its echoes in the teachings of other remarkable figures like Osho.
Let's be real, Gurdjieff's ideas can be a bit… out there. He wasn't exactly known for his straightforward, easy-to-digest teachings. Think more cryptic parables and intense self-observation than "five easy steps to enlightenment." That's where Friedman's book really shines. He manages to untangle a lot of that complexity and present it in a way that doesn't make your head spin.
This isn't a deep dive for the seasoned Gurdjieffian, but it's perfect for someone who's curious but doesn't want to get lost in the weeds right away. Friedman breaks down the core concepts – like "self-remembering," "conscious labor," and the whole "Work" thing – into understandable chunks. He doesn't shy away from the more esoteric bits, but he explains them clearly enough that you feel like you're actually getting somewhere, rather than just scratching your head.
What I really liked is that it feels less like a dry academic text and more like a friendly, knowledgeable guide walking you through a somewhat mysterious landscape. You get a sense of why Gurdjieff's ideas are considered so powerful and transformative, without feeling overwhelmed by jargon.
Now, if you've ever dipped into Osho's talks, you might find some interesting parallels and divergences here. Osho himself held Gurdjieff in high regard, even referring to his path as "the Fourth Way" just like Gurdjieff did. Both masters emphasized the idea that most people live in a state of "sleep" or "unconsciousness," and that true transformation requires a deliberate effort to wake up. They both challenged conventional notions of spirituality and urged individuals to find their own truth rather than blindly following dogma.
However, their approaches could feel quite different. Gurdjieff's "Work" often involved intense, sometimes confrontational methods designed to shake people out of their mechanical habits. It was about facing discomfort and developing conscious awareness through arduous effort. Osho, while also challenging, often brought in elements of playfulness, celebration, and acceptance. His methods leaned more towards meditation, dance, and expression, aiming to create a space where transformation could happen organically through joyful awareness rather than sheer willpower alone.
So, while Gurdjieff might be seen as the stern, uncompromising taskmaster pushing you to wake up, Osho might be the mischievous friend inviting you to dance your way into awakening. Friedman's book definitely gives you a clear sense of Gurdjieff's serious and demanding path, which is a good foundation before you start exploring how other teachers, like Osho, interpreted and expanded upon similar themes of consciousness and self-discovery.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the fascinating world of Gurdjieff's teachings without getting completely lost in the deep end, then definitely give Gurdjieff: A Beginner's Guide a read. It's a solid, approachable introduction that might just spark a much deeper interest in this unique spiritual tradition and, perhaps, even inspire you to explore its echoes in the teachings of other remarkable figures like Osho.
February 22, 2024
A friend mentioned Gurdjieff to me. But instead of reading HIS books, I found this audiobook torrent online, “summary” of G-s works. I have to praise this book - it consists of 100% logical teachings, filtering out all the “miraculous” and “supernatural” agendas that G seems to have. So to a “legs down on earth” kind of guy THIS book is a lot better than the G-s source materials. Or AT LEAST it is a good book to start. But to sum it up? I can not sum it up to You :) This book is for people “like me” - who have achieved their goals, who have checked all the check-boxes and are truly happy with life, truly grateful for every day. And who choose to stay free from negative thoughts. But I couldn’t make You understand this in a million words. Just like one does not learn to play piano in 1 day, or get fluent at Chinese language in 1 day, it takes YEARS to learn to REALLY live this way. So it really comes from the heart, like a great pianist. This book is about that journey. Its a long road, it’s a hard road, and there is nobody to encourage You or praise You. Few people get a glimpse of the promised land; and a lot fewer will decide to live there at any cost. But the ones who are absolutely obsessed about discovering a grateful life without the negative, this book is for You.
BTW as a fan of stoic teachings, this is all the same. Just different names, different terms.
BTW as a fan of stoic teachings, this is all the same. Just different names, different terms.
August 13, 2025
After finishing "Life is Real Only Then, When 'I Am'," I decided I should take a step back and try to learn about Gurdjieff from a different angle. This book is an average dude's introduction to his teachings. He has his own Gurdjieff group, but admits that he is far from an expert and comes from outside Gurdjieff culture. His ignorance of some things some through... I suspect he doesn't actually know what Movements are, as if he was never invited to participate.
The author's focus seems to be applying Gurdjieff's philosophy to rage management. That's not something I struggle with, and honestly, didn't know was a part of the Work. I guess it could be applied that way, but is it really the focus or even an important aspect? Perhaps I'm just doubting the author because he comes off so humbly, presenting himself as an amateur student.
Overall, a good introduction to his philosophy, but I wish it were written by someone with more experience and a history with the Gurdjieff movement. Not only would I trust it more, but I think it would contain a lot more that Gil just didn't know enough about.
The author's focus seems to be applying Gurdjieff's philosophy to rage management. That's not something I struggle with, and honestly, didn't know was a part of the Work. I guess it could be applied that way, but is it really the focus or even an important aspect? Perhaps I'm just doubting the author because he comes off so humbly, presenting himself as an amateur student.
Overall, a good introduction to his philosophy, but I wish it were written by someone with more experience and a history with the Gurdjieff movement. Not only would I trust it more, but I think it would contain a lot more that Gil just didn't know enough about.
December 27, 2023
It's easy to rate the teachings laid forward in this book as opposed to the book itself. Since this is the first book I'm reading on the topic. it's hard for me to separate the two. The book has some personal anecdotes which I didn't really find particularly interesting. He draws some references from other books, but none of them are very compelling. It would be more interesting to me if the book had some deeper parallels to other works and ideas. I recognized ideas from Buddhism, Stoicism, Adlerian psychology, Tao, etc, but I think the book failed to connect them.
So I feel the book was written by someone who's somewhat of a layman, and hence the rating 3 stars. To his credit, he claims nothing else at the outset, but that doesn't change my rating.
So I feel the book was written by someone who's somewhat of a layman, and hence the rating 3 stars. To his credit, he claims nothing else at the outset, but that doesn't change my rating.
August 13, 2020
I thought it's going to be a bit of a reverie on good old Gurdjieff but I doubt how accurate to the original it really is. I suppose it's an introduction and maybe I'm reading Gurdjieff wrong but I liked it that it's very underdetermined and there is a lot of mysticism in the reading itself and I have to fill the blankets. This book here feels more like 7 Habits by Steve Covey and is a bit dull, albeit it touches on most concepts.
August 25, 2020
Gil Friedman has made the work real and down to earth
Gayle has been able to show how living the principles of Gurdjeif can be done on your own without being in a large city with a big group. He’s given a clear path forward for all of us regardless of the situation we may find ourselves in. “Get to work “The line that sticks with me “We’re here to change ourselves not to change the world”. But by doing the first we can’t help but do the second.
Gayle has been able to show how living the principles of Gurdjeif can be done on your own without being in a large city with a big group. He’s given a clear path forward for all of us regardless of the situation we may find ourselves in. “Get to work “The line that sticks with me “We’re here to change ourselves not to change the world”. But by doing the first we can’t help but do the second.
February 16, 2021
I read this book since my son really likes Gurdjieff. The concepts were explained very clearly, and I believe following them makes people better human beings.
It's interesting that I read it after 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer and before 'Carried By a Promise' by Swami Radhananda, former President and Spiritual Director of Yasodhara Ashram. My sense is that they will be complementary. There are many ways of being a better human being.
It's interesting that I read it after 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer and before 'Carried By a Promise' by Swami Radhananda, former President and Spiritual Director of Yasodhara Ashram. My sense is that they will be complementary. There are many ways of being a better human being.
March 28, 2020
I loved this book. It presents Gurdjieff's ideas in a really original yet clear way, and I really felt, particularly in the first half of the book, that so much of what I read was resonating strongly with me. It's one of the books I'd read again, more than once.
October 24, 2017
A clear and practical introduction to the teachings and "work" of Gurdjieff
March 28, 2019
A waste of time.
June 15, 2020
More understandable than any other Gurdjieff book I've read. There isn't that much actionable here (or they are buried in fluff) though there are some nuggets
January 15, 2025
Excellent starter for Gurdjieff newbies.
December 8, 2014
This is an interesting intro to a philosopher that I have heard a lot about but know very little about.
While reading philosophies such as these, I am left wondering where the line is between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and applied philosophies. Is there a line? Does it matter if there is a line/difference?
While reading philosophies such as these, I am left wondering where the line is between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and applied philosophies. Is there a line? Does it matter if there is a line/difference?
March 6, 2014
This book provides a clear and good introduction to the Work of Gurdjieff, I recommended to those interested in the topic. If you have previous exposure to Gurdjieff books, it can help you to organize ideas in a systematic approach. In addition is easy and fun to read
December 28, 2014
When you have been in Work and you want to recapitulate it is excellent book for. Thank you
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