Commentary on the First Paragraph of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson: A Window into Gurdjieff’s Genius (Part 1 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

Gurdjieff’s Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson begins with a profound and enigmatic opening that immediately sets the tone for the work’s unique depth and transformative potential. Within this first chapter, Gurdjieff introduces concepts that resonate with esoteric traditions, the Law of Seven, the Law of Three, and his intricate cosmology of hydrogens, all while challenging the reader to engage in conscious participation with the text.

To fully appreciate Gurdjieff’s genius, one must examine the multi-layered significance of this opening chapter, which operates as a microcosm of his entire teaching. Here, we explore the first chapter through three distinct yet interconnected lenses: its surface narrative, its esoteric structure, and its deeper cosmological implications.

1. The Surface Narrative: Gurdjieff’s Unique Literary Style

On the surface, the first chapter introduces Beelzebub, an ancient and highly evolved being, as he embarks on a cosmic journey with his grandson, Hassein. Gurdjieff’s choice to frame his teachings through a mythic narrative is itself a revolutionary act. Rather than presenting dry philosophical discourses, Gurdjieff weaves his ideas into a rich, allegorical tapestry, allowing the reader to access profound truths through storytelling.

This approach mirrors the ancient oral traditions of transmitting wisdom, where stories were designed not merely to inform but to transform. In Gurdjieff’s hands, storytelling becomes an alchemical process—one that engages not only the intellect but also the emotions and instincts. By introducing Beelzebub as a fallen yet redeemed figure, Gurdjieff challenges conventional ideas of good and evil, inviting the reader to adopt a more nuanced and holistic perspective.

Beelzebub’s status as a “fallen angel” mirrors humanity’s own condition of forgetfulness and disconnection from higher realities. His journey, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the process of awakening—a journey that requires deliberate effort and conscious self-study. From the very beginning, Gurdjieff masterfully establishes this theme of self-remembering, a cornerstone of his teaching.

2. The Esoteric Invocation: Aligning with Higher Laws

One of the most striking aspects of the opening chapter is the invocation of a sacred utterance, described as a universal human tendency when beginning any new endeavor. Gurdjieff writes:

“...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...”

This invocation reflects humanity’s deep-seated connection to higher principles, even if unconsciously expressed. By highlighting this tendency, Gurdjieff emphasizes the importance of aligning with cosmic laws—specifically the Law of Three and the Law of Seven—whenever initiating a process.

The Law of Three in the Invocation

The invocation, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” exemplifies the Law of Three, a foundational principle in Gurdjieff’s cosmology. This law states that all phenomena arise from the interaction of three forces:

By beginning the chapter with an invocation rooted in this triadic structure, Gurdjieff sets the stage for the reader to engage with the text on multiple levels. The invocation is not merely a religious ritual but a metaphysical act, aligning the reader’s attention with the universal forces necessary for transformation.

The Law of Seven and the Process of Reading

The invocation also connects to the Law of Seven, which governs the unfolding of all processes in the universe. This law describes how energy moves in a discontinuous pattern, requiring conscious shocks to maintain momentum and prevent deviation. The first chapter itself acts as a “Do,” the starting note of an octave, initiating the reader into a transformative journey.

By invoking sacred principles at the outset, Gurdjieff provides a shock that aligns the reader’s attention with the higher aims of the work. He implicitly warns that without such alignment, the process of engaging with the text could become mechanical, leading to misunderstanding or stagnation.

3. Hydrogens and the Refinement of Energy

Beneath the surface narrative and esoteric principles lies a deeper cosmological framework: the system of hydrogens, which represents varying levels of energy or matter within the universe. In Gurdjieff’s teaching, hydrogens are not mere substances but also states of vibration, reflecting the refinement of energy from dense materiality to subtle spirituality.

The Role of Invocation in Refining Hydrogens

The invocation described in the first chapter serves to refine the individual’s inner energies, aligning them with finer hydrogens. For example:

By harmonizing these centers, the invocation creates the conditions for higher hydrogens (e.g., H6) to enter the individual’s system. This process is essential for engaging with Beelzebub’s Tales, a text designed to work not only on the reader’s intellect but on their entire being.

Hydrogens and the Reader’s Effort

Gurdjieff deliberately structured his book to require conscious effort from the reader, ensuring that their attention becomes a vehicle for transformation. The invocation at the beginning of the chapter acts as an entry point into this effort, demanding that the reader approach the text with a heightened state of awareness. In doing so, the reader participates in the alchemical process of refining their inner energies, moving from mechanical reading to conscious engagement.

Conclusion: Gurdjieff’s Mastery in the Opening Chapter

The first chapter of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson is far more than a narrative introduction; it is a masterful invocation of cosmic principles, designed to awaken the reader’s higher faculties. By embedding esoteric concepts such as the Law of Three, the Law of Seven, and the system of hydrogens into the text, Gurdjieff creates a multidimensional work that operates on physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual levels.

In this opening, we see Gurdjieff’s unique genius: his ability to weave profound metaphysical truths into an engaging narrative while demanding the active participation of the reader. The first chapter not only sets the stage for the teachings to come but also initiates the reader into a transformative process, one that mirrors the very journey of awakening described in the text.

(End of Part 1. Next, we will delve deeper into the metaphysical symbolism of Beelzebub’s journey and how Gurdjieff uses storytelling to bridge the gap between cosmic laws and human experience.)”)