THE FOURTH WAY

Gurdjieff called his system the Fourth Way, distinguishing it from three traditional paths towards spiritual development: the way of the fakir, the monk and the yogi.

The way of the fakir focuses on mastering the physical body through discipline and hardship. The way of the monk centres on faith, religious feeling and sacrifice, while the way of the yogi emphasises knowledge and intellectual development. According to Gurdjieff, each of these paths tends to develop one aspect of the human being while leaving the others less developed.

The Fourth Way does not require people to withdraw from ordinary life. Instead, it seeks the simultaneous development of the body, emotions and mind within everyday experience. Its aim is to help people overcome mechanical habits and automatic reactions, becoming more conscious of themselves and their actions.

For Gurdjieff, human beings are often unaware of the forces that govern their thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Genuine inner development therefore begins with self-observation and an honest recognition of one’s habitual patterns. Through sustained work on oneself, a person may gradually develop greater inner unity, will and the ability to act consciously.