In 1912, G.I. Gurdjieff appeared in Moscow when he introduced the ideas and practices that have
become known as the Work. In 1922, he began his work in France and made several trips to America.
He continued working with followers old and new until his death in 1949.
His book, Meetings with Remarkable Men, gives an account of his childhood and early search, while
Ouspensky's In Search of the Miraculous gives a reliable account of the early years in Moscow and beyond.
He claimed that the teachings he brought to the West from his own experiences and early travels
expressed the truth found in ancient religions and wisdom teachings relating to self-awareness in people's
daily lives and humanity's place in the universe.
His teaching is essentially an oral tradition, transmitted under special conditions from person to person.
The basic structure of our practice in Sydney are the small groups that meet weekly to deepen their
understanding of these ideas through practical exercises in daily life. The guidance of more experienced
people is invaluable on this journey.
More information about the ideas and practices of the teaching can be found in the books listed
in the Resources section.
July 2009
