Gurdjieff and the Mystery of Vibes
by Sofie, sp/so 4w3 5w6 9w1
The enneagram itself is a geometric figure in the form of a circle in which lines have been drawn between the nine points that are located at equal distances from each other on the circle’s circumference (the Greek word ennea means ‘nine’). The origin of the Enneagram symbol is unbeknownst to us. Fragments of the symbol were found in ancient greek depictions, where the mathematical patterns of three, seven and nine appear as significant elements in epics, myths, philosophy and mathematical science - demonstrating the significance this sequence of numbers had in ancient works and thought.
The symbol can also be traced back to the sacred geometry of Pythagorean mathematicians and mystical mathematics. Pythagoras himself claimed his theory about numbers as the key to unlock the secrets of our cosmos and stated to have found this knowledge from Egypt teachers - perhaps the Enneagram itself is an Alien gift? Just like the mystery of pyramids, some would argue.
The exact origin of the enneagram symbol is not known for certain, as its history is shrouded in mystery and speculation. However, it has emerged in the Middle East in the early 20th century, and was later popularised by various spiritual teachers and psychologists. One of the earliest known proponents of the enneagram was the philosopher and spiritual mystic George Gurdjieff. Other spiritual teachers and psychologists, such as Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, also contributed to the development of the enneagram as a practical tool for personal growth and self-awareness.
Gurdjieff. Let's give him a brief introduction that will absolutely not please the 6 fixers reading this goblog.
George Ivanovich Gurdjieff (1866–1949) was a greek-armenian spiritualist, teacher and writer. He never disclosed where exactly he came across the Enneagram, one of the theories around it being he was introduced to it by Sufis on his travels through Central Asia.
Starting from his fundamental critique of modern man (so/sp moment), his fragmented ego and underdeveloped being, Gurdjieff presented a system for holistic human development which he called esoteric Christianity (ugh): According to him, man can only approach divine truth or consciousness, when all aspects or ‘centers’ that Gurdjieff calls the human being are harmoniously developed and integrated: the thinking, feeling and the movements of the body. The Enneagram was a practical implementation of his Fourth Way teachings.
Gurdjieff speaks of a Fourth Way as a synthesis and further development of the three traditional ways of evolving thought (yogi), feeling (monk) and body (fakir). Gurdjeff was adamant that spirituality had to be sought in daily life - not behind monastery walls or in the distant Himalayas - and in three ideally synchronous lines under the guidance of an experienced teacher:
the conscious examination of (or work on) oneself
working together, conscious exchange with like-minded spiritual people
the work for the school or the apprenticeship
The main elements of this work were:
the constant practice of special inner mindfulness (remembering oneself)
non-identification, e.g. with Likes and Dislikes (Conscious Suffering)
the practical study and verification (i.e. the holistic experience) of universal laws as presented in the Enneagram
oh, vague spirituality
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oh, vague spirituality 〰️
Gurdjeff’s enneagrammatic approach differed from the way we engage with it nowadays - for instance, he was adamantly against self-typing. Type wasn’t even disclosed to your spiritual companions - after working with Gurdjeff for an extensive period of time he would assign his students a type in private. Imagine learning enneagram without traits, without comparing your experience to others typed the same, without type envy because you didn’t even know your group’s (or teacher's!) types. Gurdjeff's method of communication was allegorical and mythical, and rather challenging to the reader or listener. In his writings he employed a style of language replete with neologisms and long, complicated sentence structures, demanding a high level of attention and persistence in order to unravel their hidden meaning. Instead of a straightforward presentation of ideas, Gurdjieff offered “contradictory notions, incomplete pictures and the stimulation of conflicting feelings and conclusions, forcing us to look again and more deeply into what he has said and, perhaps, metaphorically inferred.”
Gurdjeff used the Enneagram to describe the ‘unfolding of creation’ - referring to it as a symbol of perpetual motion. Movements, or sacred dances, constitute an integral part of what Gurdjieff taught - with him even referring to himself as a ‘teacher of dancing.’
If you are now curious what these spiritual dances looked like, here is a video example.
Gurdjieff believed that the body, mind, and spirit were all interconnected, and that the Movements could help to harmonise these aspects of the self. Each dance is designed to promote a different state of consciousness and to help the dancer connect with a deeper sense of self.
In many ways, the Movements can be seen as a physical manifestation of the enneagram. Just as the enneagram is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all aspects of the self, the Movements are a physical expression of this interconnectedness. Each dance represents a different aspect of the self and helps to promote a deeper understanding of that aspect.
For example, one of the most famous dances in the Movements is known as the "Stop Dance." In this dance, the dancers move in a series of intricate patterns, stopping and starting in unison. This dance is designed to promote awareness of one's own movement and to help the dancer become more present in the moment.
so why do random girlies vibe so hard?
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so why do random girlies vibe so hard? 〰️
Here’s a secret from the goblin realm…
