Resources

Topics Referenced

• Obligolnian Strivings: Learn more about the Obligolnian Strivings with this Inner Task series by Heather Ruce.
• Chiasm: Reference Eye of the Heart by Cynthia Bourgeault.
• Kesdjan Body: See Building Second Body with Cynthia Bourgeault or The Kesdjan Body by Josh Denny.
• Map of the Worlds: Reference Eye of the Heart by Cynthia Bourgeault or listen to her speak on this podcast about A Different Way to Live Virtuously.

Books Referenced

Boros, Ladislaus, Mystery of Death
Bourgeault, Cynthia, Eye of the Heart
Bruteau, Beatrice, God’s Ecstasy
Boehme, Jacob, Forty Questions of the Soul
Boehme, Jacob, The Clavis
de Chardin, Teilhard, The Human Phenomenon
Erb, Peter, Jacob Boehme: Way to Christ
Needleman, Jacob, Lost Christianity
Gurdjieff, G. I., Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson

Brief Summaries of People Referenced

John G. Bennett (1897–1974)

John G. Bennett was a British mathematician, scientist, and spiritual teacher known for his extensive work on G.I. Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way. He contributed to the field of systems theory and authored several influential books, including The Dramatic Universe. Bennett’s teachings emphasize the integration of spiritual practice with scientific understanding and the development of human potential.

Jacob Boehme (1575–1624)

Jacob Boehme was a German mystic and theologian whose visionary writings have had a lasting impact on Western esoteric thought. His works explore the nature of God, creation, and humanity’s spiritual journey. Boehme’s profound insights, particularly in works like Aurora and Forty Questions of the Soul, reveal a deeply mystical understanding of the cosmos and the human soul’s quest for union with the divine.

Ladislaus Boros (1927–1981)

Ladislaus Boros was a Hungarian Jesuit theologian known for his contemplative approach to eschatology and the theology of death. His writings explore the mystery of human existence and the afterlife, emphasizing hope and the transformative power of suffering. His notable work, The Mystery of Death, provides profound insights into the Christian understanding of life, death, and resurrection.

Beatrice Bruteau (1930–2014)

An American philosopher and theologian, Beatrice Bruteau was a pioneer in integrating science, spirituality, and interfaith dialogue. She founded several organizations promoting contemplative life and interreligious understanding. Her works, such as Radical Optimism and God’s Ecstasy, bridges Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, offering a holistic vision of human potential and divine love.

Teilhard de Chardin (1881–1955)

A French Jesuit priest, scientist, and philosopher, Teilhard de Chardin was a pioneering paleontologist whose mystical writings bridged the gap between science and religion. His central concept, the Omega Point, envisions a future point of unification and ultimate complexity, aligning scientific understanding with a deeply spiritual vision of evolution and the cosmos. His influential works, such as The Phenomenon of Man, continue to inspire interdisciplinary dialogue.

Jean Gebser (1905–1973)

Jean Gebser was a German-Swiss cultural philosopher known for his theory of the structures of consciousness, which traces the evolution of human awareness through distinct stages. His seminal work, The Ever-Present Origin, describes these stages from archaic to integral, providing a framework for understanding the development of human consciousness and its implications for culture and society.

G. I. Gurdjieff (1866–1949)

G. I. Gurdjieff was a Greek-Armenian mystic, philosopher, and spiritual teacher renowned for his development of the Fourth Way, a spiritual path that integrates the principles of self-awareness, inner growth, and the harmonization of mind, body, and emotions. His teachings emphasize the need for conscious effort and self-observation to achieve higher states of being. Gurdjieff founded the Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man in France and authored several influential works, including Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson and Meetings With Remarkable Men, which present his unique philosophical ideas and spiritual practices aimed at awakening human potential.

Carl Jung (1875–1961)

Carl Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. His groundbreaking work introduced concepts such as the collective unconscious, archetypes, and individuation. Jung’s exploration of the psyche’s deep structures has profoundly influenced psychology, literature, and religious studies, with notable works like Man and His Symbols and Memories, Dreams, Reflections offering enduring insights into the human condition.

Thomas Keating (1923–2018)

Thomas Keating was an American Trappist monk and one of the founders of the Centering Prayer movement. His teachings focused on contemplative prayer as a means of achieving inner transformation and union with God. Keating’s work has had a significant influence on contemporary Christian spirituality.

James Moore (b. 1929)

James Moore is a British writer and biographer known for his comprehensive work on G.I. Gurdjieff. His book, Gurdjieff: The Anatomy of a Myth, is considered one of the definitive biographies of Gurdjieff, providing deep insights into his life, teachings, and the historical context of his work.

Jacob Needleman (b. 1934)

Jacob Needleman is an American philosopher and author whose work explores the intersection of philosophy, religion, and spirituality. His influential book Lost Christianity examines the forgotten depths of Christian spiritual practice and its relevance in the modern world. Needleman’s writings often focus on the search for meaning and the role of spiritual traditions in contemporary life.

Madame de Salzmann (1889–1990)

Jeanne de Salzmann, known as Madame de Salzmann, was a French-Swiss dance instructor and a close disciple of G.I. Gurdjieff. She played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating Gurdjieff’s teachings after his death. Her work focused on the practical application of Gurdjieff’s ideas and exercises, emphasizing receptivity and the cultivation of inner attention.

Annie Stavely

Annie Stavely was a devoted student of G.I. Gurdjieff and an influential teacher in her own right. She was known for her deep understanding of the Gurdjieff work and her ability to guide students through its rigorous practices. Stavely’s teachings have been compiled and published, continuing to inspire new generations of seekers.