A short introduction to the work of Gurdjieff, with guidance for reflecting on his work in our everyday lives

In the early 20th century Russian Empire, a mysterious teacher emerged with a radical proposition: modern humans live in a state of waking sleep, but another level of consciousness is possible. G.I. Gurdjieff's methods for awakening - combining ancient wisdom with modern psychology - would influence artists, writers, and seekers throughout the twentieth century and beyond.

This concise introduction to Gurdjieff's life and teaching cuts through the mythology and controversy to reveal a figure of enduring relevance. Neither guru nor charlatan, but a practical mystic, Gurdjieff offered a way of inner development uniquely suited to our technological age. Drawing on new research and firsthand accounts, this book provides both an accessible overview of his key ideas and specific practices for applying them in daily life.

From his early expeditions in Central Asia to the establishment of his Institute near Paris, from his challenging writings to his revolutionary understanding of human psychology, Gurdjieff emerges as a teacher whose insights into attention, presence, and the possibility of conscious evolution speak directly to our contemporary crisis of meaning and purpose.

For both newcomers and those already familiar with "The Work," this book offers fresh perspectives on one of the twentieth century's most enigmatic spiritual teachers and his enduring invitation to awaken to a different quality of being.