From a talk by Gurdjieff

[lucius]

Pseudo esoteric systems also play their part in the work and activities of esoteric circles. Namely, they are intermediaries between humanity which is entirely immersed in the materialistic life and schools which are interested in the education of a certain number of people, as much for the purposes of their own existences as for the purpose of the work of a cosmic character which they may be carrying out. The very idea of esotericism, of initiation, reaches people in most cases through pseudo-esoteric systems and schools; and if there were not these pseudo-esoteric schools, the vast majority of humanity would have no possibility whatever of learning and hearing of anything greater then life because the truth in its pure form would be inaccessible to them. By reason of the characteristics of man’s being, particularly of the contemporary being, truth can only come to people in the form of a lie – only in this form are they able to accept it; only in this form are they able to digest and assimilate it. Truth undefiled would be for them, indigestible food..

 

[moseslmpg]

Where is this from exactly?

 

[taijasi]

Where is this from exactly?

I sure don't know, moseslmpg, but thanks for the bump. I missed this thread first time around, and it's a shame, because I like the point that is made. You can "get initiated" a thousand different ways nowadays, by a multitude of schools that all claim some kind of magical, mystical status, or set of connections. Some even claim to be the mouthpiece, or earthly seat for thus-and-such a master, or occult fraternity.

Any such claims, of course, are hogwash, but they do help popularize various concepts and realities which we have forgotten. I mean, you can walk down the street and pass a Baptist, a Methodist, a Presbyterian, a Catholic, an Episcopal, a Lutheran, and an Advent Christian Church ... yet each will tell you that their particular brand of worship and of spiritual approach is preferred, or more effective. Usually, each of these will make the claim that their worship style and teachings are more legitimate ... than those of their neighboring churches.

I don't think we'd be any better off if we had this many supposed esoteric schools on every block, each one asserting its superiority over the other, or claiming a "direct line" on God, etc. But that's not the case. Instead, there's a Masonic Lodge in most larger cities, and that's as close as it comes. Occasionally, there may a Rosicrucian or Theosophical Headquarters, and a group of folks studying the Fourth Way, but we're still a far cry - at this point - from Babylon!

So again, if the general public learns about the Masters (Spiritual Hierarchy, Elder Brothers, whatever we like to call Them), and the Path of Initiation, in small doses - watered down & highly glamourized in 90% of cases - at least they're coming into contact with the ideas! At least these kinds of things are making their way into the popular consciousness. I've written a piece here & there on Harry Potter, Star Wars, or Lord of the Rings that points this kind of thing out. And I hope to add another piece or two soon.

cheers,

taijasi

 

[moseslmpg]

Yeah, I found it interesting for a bunch of reasons. Firstly, I've been seeing this guy's name around lately so maybe it's time to pick up Beelzy's Tales to His Grandson. I just don't know if I'll be able to appreciate it at my age.

Secondly, I feel that this, at least in part, applies to every religion, i.e. all truths are but half truths and all lies are true in part, and there is something to be gleaned from every belief system. Maybe I'm reading too much into that aspect.

Thirdly, I'm actually trying to do this, disguising truths in the form of lies so as to lead people to a more truthful truthiness (Thanks Colbert), in a fictional creation of mine. I fear that I still may go over people's heads though.