“To possess the right to the name of ‘man’, one must be
one. And to be such, one must first of all, with an indefatigable
persistence and an unquenchable impulse of desire, issuing from all the
separate independent parts constituting one’s entire common presence,
that is to say, with a desire issuing simultaneously from thought, feeling,
and organic instinct, work on an all-round knowledge of oneself—at the
same time struggling unceasingly with one’s subjective
weaknesses—and then afterwards, taking one’s stand upon the
results thus obtained by one’s consciousness alone, concerning the
defects in one’s established subjectivity as well as the elucidated
means for the possibility of combatting them, strive for their eradication
without mercy towards oneself.”
G. I. Gurdjieff
Beelzebub’s Tales, p. 1209
Gurdjieff’s Teaching
In the Groups of Willem A. Nyland
George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff taught that human beings are only partially developed and that consciousness, conscience and will are not given to us freely, but must be acquired by intentional efforts. His system of self-development calls for the application in daily life of a specific method of “Work on oneself.” Gurdjieff emphasized the need for undertaking this Work with others who share a common aim.
Willem A. Nyland, a pupil of Gurdjieff for twenty-five years, devoted his life to the practice and teaching of Gurdjieff’s ideas. Acting upon direct instructions from Gurdjieff to begin teaching, Mr. Nyland established numerous groups and taught people from all walks of life how to Work. He touched the lives of many people, opening up for them a wide range of spiritual possibilities.
Today, the groups of W. A. Nyland continue to provide a vital source for the study and practice of Gurdjieff’s ideas. We emphasize the practical application of Gurdjieff's teachings in the midst of everyday life. We meet regularly to discuss the ideas and how to apply them; we hold workdays where we can practice Work during simple physical activities; and we take part in the sacred dances Gurdjieff called “Movements.” Meetings, workdays, and movements are all led by experienced members.
In addition, Mr. Nyland recorded many meetings in which he answered questions and explained Gurdjieff’s ideas in detail. This material is available to group members. In maintaining the integrity and aliveness of Work, Mr. Nyland passed on an important legacy to those with a sincere wish for their own development.
If you have an interest in the application of Gurdjieff’s ideas, we welcome your inquiries.
Open Meetings:
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