Correspondences (Dec 2020)
Deliteralizing Christianity: Gurdjieff and Almznoshinoo
Abstract
This essay addresses some of the references to Christianity presented in G.I. Gurdjieff’s magnum opus, Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson. Keeping in view the overarching themes of the conscious labor and intentional suffering (being-Partkdolg-duty) and the development of higher-being bodies, the article will present and analyze references to the sacred ceremony “Almznoshinoo,” which is first presented in the chapter on Tibetan Buddhism. By next introducing The Last Supper through the lens of the ceremony Almznoshinoo, Gurdjieff’s text undermines and unhinges literalizing readings of the sacred texts and practices of Christianity. In the process, Gurdjieff seeks to deliteralize the awareness and consciousness of the reader. The article will also consider the role of feelings in restoring “podobnisirnian,” or allegorical thinking, which Beelzebub proposes has been all but lost in contemporary thought. Gurdjieff points out the complete failure of contemporary people to understand and employ allegorical thinking, and its essential role in understanding teachings and stories (legominisms) from the past.
