LINEAGE
George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
Today, those interested in self development largely acknowledge Gurdjieff as the one who brought ideas so currently studied in the field of spiritual development to the West as early as 1923. The practice of being present to one's life, of being "here now" was an idea fundamental to the Gurdjieff Work from the beginning. The idea of three centres, mind, heart and body functioning harmoniously is the core of the "Work".
Original members from Toronto meet with New York groups under the guidance of Louise Welch and Tom Forman on the grounds of the Ouspensky estate, Franklin Farms in Mendham, New Jersey in 1961.
George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
Today, those interested in self development largely acknowledge Gurdjieff as the one who brought ideas so currently studied in the field of spiritual development to the West as early as 1923. The practice of being present to one's life, of being "here now" was an idea fundamental to the Gurdjieff Work from the beginning. The idea of three centres, mind, heart and body functioning harmoniously is the core of the "Work".
Jeanne de Salzmann
Trusted by Gurdjieff to continue his school after his death, Madame de Salzmann taught those serious enough to undertake her strict but compassionate guidance. Her organization of the groups worldwide led to the International Association of Gurdjieff Foundations (www.iagf.org) which fosters relationship and exchange between groups especially regarding the Sacred Dances that are central to the Gurdjieff "Work".
Louise Welch
A pupil of Gurdjieff and his designate, A.R. Orage, Mrs. Welch was the connection between the Foundation that Mr. Gurdjieff began in New York and the Toronto groups founded in 1956. As a teacher and guide she wished her students to experience an "emotional relaxation" that would permeate their lives.