Commentary on the First Paragraph of Beelzebub’s Tales: A Window into Gurdjieff’s Genius (Part 3 of 3)
CHAPTER 1 The Arousing of Thought
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Among other convictions formed in my common presence during my responsible, peculiarly composed life, there is one such also—an indubitable conviction—that always and everywhere on the earth, among people of every degree of development of understanding and of every form of manifestation of the factors which engender in their individuality all kinds of ideals, there is acquired the tendency, when beginning anything new, unfailingly to pronounce aloud or, if not aloud, at least mentally, that definite utterance understandable to every even quite illiterate person, which in different epochs has been formulated variously and in our day is formulated in the following words: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and in the name of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” https://gurdjieff.work/ae/chapters/chapter01.htm
In the first two parts of this commentary, we explored Gurdjieff’s profound cosmology, the invocation of higher laws, and the symbolic elements embedded within the narrative of Beelzebub and his grandson. In this final section, we delve into how the first chapter functions as an invitation to embark on an inner journey, the psychological challenges it presents to the reader, and how it reflects Gurdjieff’s ultimate aim of awakening humanity to its cosmic purpose.
1. The Reader as a Participant in the Journey
From the very first paragraph, Gurdjieff makes it clear that Beelzebub’s Tales is not a passive experience. The reader is not merely a spectator but an active participant in a transformative process. This deliberate design is a hallmark of Gurdjieff’s genius, as it mirrors the demands of his teachings in real life: effort, attention, and conscious participation are non-negotiable.
The Call to Conscious Effort
The complexity of Gurdjieff’s language and structure is intentional. It forces the reader to slow down and wrestle with the material, preventing superficial understanding. The reader’s struggle mirrors the conscious effort required for inner work. In Gurdjieff’s words, understanding must be “earned” through effort and persistence.
By structuring the book in this way, Gurdjieff places the reader in the position of an active seeker, akin to Hassein. The text becomes a laboratory for self-observation and self-remembering, as the reader is confronted with their own tendencies toward distraction, mechanicality, and laziness.
2. The Psychological Challenges of Reading Gurdjieff
The first chapter also introduces a psychological challenge: the deliberate breaking of the reader’s habitual thinking patterns. Gurdjieff’s unconventional style—marked by long, intricate sentences, invented words, and shifts in perspective—serves as a “shock” to the reader’s ordinary mental processes.
Breaking Identification with Mechanicity
By disrupting the reader’s habitual ways of reading and understanding, Gurdjieff creates a space for new modes of perception to emerge. This process reflects the broader aim of his teaching: to help individuals recognize and overcome their mechanical tendencies.
For example, the reader’s initial frustration with the text may serve as a mirror for their deeper psychological habits. Are they prone to impatience? Do they seek instant gratification? Do they resist effort? These reactions, if observed consciously, become opportunities for self-knowledge.
The Role of Frustration in Transformation
Gurdjieff understood that frustration and resistance are integral to growth. By challenging the reader, he invites them to confront their limitations and transform their habitual ways of engaging with the world. The act of persevering through the text becomes a form of intentional suffering, a key principle in Gurdjieff’s work.
3. The First Chapter as a Microcosm of the Human Condition
The themes introduced in the first chapter—fall and redemption, invocation of higher principles, and the struggle to awaken—reflect the universal human condition. Gurdjieff uses Beelzebub’s narrative to illuminate the challenges and possibilities inherent in human life.
The Sleep of Humanity
Beelzebub’s observations of Earthly humanity reveal a central tenet of Gurdjieff’s teaching: most human beings live in a state of “sleep,” unaware of their true nature or their place in the cosmos. This sleep is characterized by:
- Mechanicality: Automatic, habitual behavior disconnected from conscious intention.
- Identification: Becoming lost in external events and emotions, unable to maintain self-awareness.
- Lack of Aim: Drifting through life without a clear sense of purpose or alignment with higher principles.
Through Beelzebub’s eyes, the reader is invited to reflect on their own state of being. Are they awake, or are they asleep? Are they living intentionally, or merely reacting to life’s circumstances?
The Possibility of Awakening
Despite humanity’s sleep, Gurdjieff emphasizes the potential for awakening. The invocation in the first chapter symbolizes this possibility, serving as a reminder that every moment offers an opportunity to align with higher principles. Beelzebub’s journey becomes a metaphor for this process of ascent, demonstrating that even the densest states of being can be transformed through conscious effort.
4. Cosmic Responsibility and the Awakening of Conscience
One of the most profound themes introduced in the first chapter is the concept of cosmic responsibility. Beelzebub’s redemption is not an isolated event but is deeply connected to his role within the larger cosmic order. Similarly, Gurdjieff suggests that humanity has a unique responsibility within the Ray of Creation.
The Awakening of Objective Conscience
At the heart of this responsibility lies the awakening of objective conscience—a higher faculty that enables individuals to act in harmony with universal laws. Unlike subjective morality, which is shaped by cultural and personal biases, objective conscience arises from a direct connection to higher principles.
Gurdjieff implies that the cultivation of objective conscience is essential for humanity’s evolution. By aligning their actions with cosmic purpose, individuals not only fulfill their own potential but also contribute to the harmonious functioning of the universe.
Beelzebub as a Model of Responsibility
Beelzebub’s character embodies this principle of cosmic responsibility. His journey is not merely a personal quest but a contribution to the greater good. Through his tales, he seeks to awaken Hassein—and, by extension, the reader—to their own role within the cosmic order.
5. Gurdjieff’s Ultimate Aim: The Awakening of Humanity
The first chapter serves as a microcosm of Gurdjieff’s ultimate aim: the awakening of humanity to its higher potential. By embedding his teachings in a narrative that challenges and transforms the reader, Gurdjieff creates a work that is not merely read but experienced.
The Work as a Living System
Beelzebub’s Tales is not just a book; it is a living system, designed to work on multiple levels of the reader’s being. Its structure, language, and symbolism are all carefully calibrated to engage the intellect, emotions, and instincts in a holistic process of transformation.
This approach reflects Gurdjieff’s vision of the Fourth Way: a path of self-development that integrates all aspects of human nature, enabling individuals to awaken within the context of ordinary life.
The Cosmic Scale of Gurdjieff’s Teaching
By situating humanity within a vast cosmic framework, Gurdjieff challenges the reader to see beyond their immediate concerns and recognize their place within the universe. This shift in perspective is not merely theoretical; it has practical implications for how one lives and acts.
Through Beelzebub’s tales, Gurdjieff invites the reader to embrace their cosmic responsibility, cultivate objective conscience, and participate in the process of universal harmony.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Esoteric Wisdom
The first chapter of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson is a profound and multifaceted introduction to Gurdjieff’s teaching. By blending narrative, symbolism, and cosmology, Gurdjieff creates a work that challenges, transforms, and awakens the reader.
This chapter not only sets the stage for the teachings to come but also serves as a microcosm of Gurdjieff’s entire vision. It encapsulates the principles of conscious effort, cosmic responsibility, and the possibility of awakening, while also demanding active participation from the reader.
Gurdjieff’s genius lies in his ability to weave these elements into a cohesive and transformative whole, creating a work that is as much a tool for self-development as it is a literary masterpiece. For those willing to engage with it fully, Beelzebub’s Tales offers not only knowledge but the possibility of inner liberation and alignment with the highest principles of existence.
(End of Part 3 and conclusion of the commentary.)