Ernst Newman, Author at Fourth Way Today

The Perpetual Now

A New Model of the Universe In 1914, a year before he met Gurdjieff, Ouspensky published one of his earlier books, A New Model of the Universe. In it, Ouspensky had already gathered many observations on states of consciousness, even though he referred to them by other names. He suggested there are actually three dimensions […]

by Ernst Newman

Perspectives on Awakening

Identification with our thoughts, emotions, pains and sufferings diminishes as the scope broadens. Acceptance and humility overtake any resentment and self-absorption. The manifestations of the lower self can actually serve as fuel to this state. Transforming these into presence can propel a higher state into even greater heights.

by Ernst Newman

A Journey of Balance and Regeneration

Balance and imbalance From one point of view, the work is a play between balance and imbalance. If we were in balance, would we still need to search for the meaning behind our lives? If the machine is very much out of balance, the foundation for our work would be unstable. It requires presence to […]

by Ernst Newman

Location, Location, Location

The more experience we gain in using the work ‘I’s, the more we follow their direction to the present, the more often they will come. They create an inner circle of identity that is more interested in the work than in the subject of identification of the many ‘I’s. Even if this identity collapses and needs to be recreated, it represents a more permanent state.

by Ernst Newman

Three Forces and the Three Lines of Work

Intervals in an octave are places where other octaves may enter and move things in a different direction. Intervals can result in an outcome completely different from what we expect.

by Ernst Newman

The Light of Presence

If the divine call is ignored, there is no telling when it will come next. If the steward recognizes the call, it immediately switches duties. Instead of making efforts to create light, it submits in silence and makes space for uncreated light.

by Ernst Newman

Wishing You the Ideal State

Plato’s ideal state was never meant to include everyone, only those who support it. In Athens there were many who wanted Socrates put to death. Internally, the many I’s will never really support self-remembering. Only a small inner circle of work I’s will promote the presence of higher centers.

by Ernst Newman

‘Right Location’ in the Work

A Practical Choice How do we arrive at a ‘right location’ for our inner work in the Fourth Way? Horace, a Roman poet at the time of Augustus Caesar, said, “In adversity, remember to keep an even mind.” This is not just poetic or philosophical advice. It implies a practical choice to be made: where […]

by Ernst Newman

Forging One’s Being

Recently on a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York I wandered into a room full of Katanas. Katana are Japanese samurai swords, exquisite objects that seamlessly integrate lethal utility and beautiful design. I read a little about the labor-intensive process used for forging these blades. It occurred as an obvious analogy […]