Introduction to Techniques No.
22,
23,
And 24 In this introduction we explore three profound techniques that offer insights into the nature of human consciousness and its relationship with the past,
Present,
And future.
These techniques,
No.
22,
23,
And 24,
Invite us to delve into the intricate realms of our inner world and achieve a deeper understanding of our own existence.
Technique 22 encourages us to direct our attention to a moment in our past,
A time when we experienced a significant event or phase of life.
The goal here is to detach ourselves from our current form and perspective,
Allowing us to perceive our past in a transformed light.
This technique highlights the transformative power of shifting our focus away from the present moment.
Technique 23 guides us in a practice that involves focusing on an object in our immediate environment while deliberately disregarding all other distractions.
By isolating our perception to this single object,
We gain an understanding of presence and absence.
Ultimately,
We aim to transcend both the object and its absence,
Leading us to a profound realization.
Technique 24 addresses our emotional reactions towards others.
When we encounter feelings of aversion or attachment,
This technique advises against projecting these emotions onto the person involved.
Instead,
It advocates for maintaining our inner balance and center,
Regardless of the emotions that arise.
George Gurdjieff,
A prominent figure in the realm of Tantric philosophy,
Emphasized the idea that identification is the ultimate sin.
As we proceed into the Tenth Sutra on Centering,
It becomes essential to comprehend the concept of identification deeply.
Identification is the act of merging our current self with past experiences,
Preventing us from observing them objectively.
Our journey begins by acknowledging our past.
We all have childhood memories,
But the challenge lies in not being consumed by them.
Instead,
We should strive to witness our past as if it were a movie playing on a screen before us.
This detachment allows us to gain profound insights into ourselves as we learn to view our past as a distant dream rather than an integral part of our identity.
As we master this skill with our past,
We can extend it to our present and future.
Everything we experience in the present will eventually become part of our past.
By consistently approaching our experiences as detached witnesses,
We transcend the confines of time.
We discover that our consciousness is eternal,
Forever separate from the fleeting moments that make up our existence.
This perspective sheds light on the notion that the world,
With all its actuality and complexity,
Can be seen as a dream.
Not because it lacks reality,
But because we can become witnesses to it.
When we observe without identification,
The world transforms into a dream and the illusion of its permanence dissolves.
The challenge,
However,
Lies in our tendency to remain identified with our experiences.
In the end,
We are reminded of the inherent dangers of identification.
Even when confessing our deepest sins and virtues like Rousseau and his groundbreaking work,
Confessions,
We can fall into the trap of ego identification.
We become elated by our actions,
Be they virtuous or sinful,
But the core sin is always the same,
Being identified with the transient events of our lives.
This tenth technique serves as a beacon,
Guiding us away from the shackles of identification toward the liberating shores of non-identification.
In this state,
We discover the true essence of bliss,
As identification only leads to misery.
Thus,
Our journey unfolds,
Exploring the profound wisdom hidden within the intricate tapestry of human consciousness.
