Autobiography of a Sufi
by E.J. Gold
BK005
$35
Trade Paperback, Signed by Author
Out of Print and Quite Rare.
One of the earliest trade paperbacks published by E.J. Gold, this outrageous memoir of metaphysical humor also offered profound insights into psychometry and the search for ancient wisdom. Some passages were incorporated by the author into the book Visions in the Stone.
Autobiography of a Sufi
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Briefing Notes:
Main Themes:
The Psyche vs. Essence: The core concept is the dichotomy between the 'psyche', the conditioned, external self formed by habits and societal influences, and the 'essence', the true inner self, capable of conscious experience. Gurdjieff argues that the psyche, driven by survival instincts and ingrained patterns, often obscures the essence, hindering true self-knowledge and spiritual development. He states, "Each time an emergency occurs… the habitual thoughts begin to pass through in all their glory… the habit to survive through food, the habit to survive through identity…" (p. 110).
The Quest for Conscious Living: The author emphasizes the importance of attaining conscious living, free from the automatic reactions dictated by the psyche. He advocates for rigorous self-study, challenging ingrained habits and dismantling the psyche to allow the essence to emerge. He challenges the reader: "Watch for moments in which stress forces the psyche to drop away for a while, and see what the essence does, what habits it is composed of, and how well it is suited to conscious life." (Exercises for Conscious Life, p. 152).
The Role of Stress and Sacrifice: Gurdjieff suggests that stress, though often perceived negatively, can be a catalyst for breaking down the psyche's dominance. He even proposes the radical idea of deliberately creating a "perpetual and self-initiating 'outside force'" (p. 113) as a constant stressor to keep the essence exposed. He uses the analogy of God creating the Devil to illustrate this point.
Methods and Practices: The text outlines various techniques for achieving conscious living. These include:
Self-observation: Identifying and cataloging one's habitual behaviors and reactions.
Disrupting routines: Intentionally altering insignificant habits to challenge the psyche's control.
Word invention: Stimulating mental flexibility and creativity.
Embracing gratitude: Cultivating a conscious appreciation for life and its opportunities.
Important Facts and Ideas:
The Inner World: Gurdjieff introduces the concept of the 'Inner World', a mental realm analogous to the physical universe, where one can create and explore different realities. He emphasizes the importance of mastering one's "wits-tempered by conscience" (p.26) to navigate this inner landscape.
The Djinn Analogy: He utilizes the concept of 'djinn'-powerful, but mechanical beings ruled by habitual patterns-as a metaphor for the psyche's influence. Each djinn represents a specific habit, vying for control over the individual.
The Importance of a Teacher: Gurdjieff highlights the significance of finding a guide capable of posing the right questions and providing guidance in the arduous journey of self-discovery. He recounts his own encounter with such a figure: "When he finished what he was doing he looked up at me, and said, 'Well, are you ready to get to work this lifetime?'" (p. 1).
The Great Secret: He alludes to a "Great and Terrible Secret", emphasizing that its true understanding lies not in some hidden knowledge but in the realization that there is no secret. The journey of self-discovery itself is the key.
Quotes of Note:
"The struggle itself transforms one into a higher being. To really live a life … my life … that would be quite an accomplishment." (p. 2)
"Everything is so mixed up here. When I think that I am doing one thing, I may be doing something quite different." (p. 2)
"Living by one's wits is only attained and mastered as an art through long apprenticeship." (p. 26)
"I have just now constated that the sensations and feelings proceeding within my organism… may have been somehow evoked in me in a way not immediately perceived by my awareness." (p. 54)
"If it were important enough to you, you would pay attention even if an army of murderous cannibals were on your tail." (p. 58)
Further Exploration:
This briefing provides a glimpse into the rich and challenging ideas presented in Autobiography of a Sufi. Further study of the full text is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of Gurdjieff's philosophy and methods for achieving conscious living.