Sacred Dances of G.I. Gurdjieff

The Movements and Sacred Dances consist of a series of specific postures, gestures, and movements supported by an intentional use of melody and rhythm and an essential element of right individual effort. This can help to evoke an inner condition that is closer to a more conscious existence, or a state of unity, which can allow an opening to the conscious energy of the Self.

C. S. Nott was at Gurdjieff’s apartment in Paris when he heard a talk on the sacred dances and movements:

They express an unknown dimension and reveal what is hidden from the average man – the reality of a higher level of being. If we are able to pass from our ordinary level to a higher, it means that something in us has changed. The changes are governed by very definite cosmic laws, and knowledge of these laws exists and can be discovered. Gurdjieff in his early travels and sojourns in temples and monasteries in the Middle and Far East and Central Asia witnessed and took part in various ritual dances and ceremonies; and he realised that the dance could be used as a language to express knowledge of a higher order – cosmic knowledge. This language is mathematical, according to exact measure. Every movement has its appointed place, its duration and weight. The combinations and sequences are mathematically calculated. Postures and attitudes are arranged to produce definite, predetermined emotions. In these, he who is watching them may also participate – he may read them as a script, in which the higher emotions and higher mind can take part.

In creating these movements each detail has a meaning, the smallest element is taken into account, nothing is left to chance or imagination. There is only one possible gesture, posture and rhythm with which to represent a given human or cosmic situation. Another gesture, posture or movement would not present the truth – it would be false. If there is the least miscalculation a movement the dance would be desecrated, and fantasy would take the place of knowledge. Mr. Gurdjieff, during a long life devoted to study and questioning, mastered the principles of those sacred dances, which constitute a branch of objective art. Understanding the principles, he was able to demonstrate truths through these movements. The student, even from the beginning, through the high degree of sustained attention required to perfect himself in the movements, is using one of the specific means of self-knowledge, and of attaining ‘the cognition and comprehension of reality.

Movements of G. I. Gurdjieff

References

Nott, C. S. (1969). Further Teachings of Gurdjieff: Journey Through this World. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd.