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Abstract
The ‘essence’ of this ‘essay’ concerns the attempt to look at how we, ourselves, are approaching Gurdjieff’s writings and teachings. What are we bringing to them, of ourselves, when we engage with these ideas and practices? What are we actually ‘doing’ when we study, ponder, and practice the ideas and teachings of Gurdjieff and The Fourth Way? Can we see something more of the ‘inner action’ that is present within us when we do engage with this material? The aim of the ‘essay’ may then be expressed in terms of the attempt to aid ‘impartial’ self reflection and self-insight, as specifically related to the ideas and practices of Gurdjieff and The Fourth Way. A significant portion of the ‘essay’ focuses on the theme of ‘how’ we actually read the written material of Gurdjieff and The Fourth Way, and this is presented in relation to the idea of ‘Legominism’ as mentioned in Beelzebub’s Tales. A second theme throughout the ‘essay’ focuses on the nature of ‘mentation’, as related to the ideas of ‘active mentation’ and ‘mentation by Form’; these terms also being given by Gurdjieff in Beelzebub’s Tales as well as elsewhere. Can we develop our own understanding of our own mentation, and can we develop our understanding of the nature of ‘Legominism’? This we shall at least attempt to address through this ‘essay’.
Short biographical note
Joshua Denny was born to parents and family members interested in the Work and teachings of Gurdjieff. He consequently began engaging with the material and ideas of Gurdjieff from a young age. Joshua has been mainly influenced by the work of J.G. Bennett, pupil of Gurdjieff. Joshua’s parents were involved with groups in this line of the Work. Joshua has made connections with many different individuals in the Work over the years, including those in the American groups as well as the English groups. Joshua, and his parents, have also had connection with Anthony Blake, pupil of J.G.Bennett. Joshua pursued a career in Joinery and Construction before moving into the world of Social Care and therapy for children. Joshua is currently exploring ways to incorporate the ideas of the Work into social care reform, also with a view to bringing the Work into mainstream schools in the form of educational programs involving practical work, drama, and inner exercises. Joshua currently attends a small work group based in Cumbria, England.