This morning I am dipping into Maurice Nicoll’s Commentaries on the Work of Gurdjieff and Ouspensky. I have had these volumes for many years. They are shabby at this point and today they are quite expensive. But they contain, for some of us, vital information about traveling from being mechanically involved in life to being conscious that we do not belong here. Our essence comes from the stars. We are a part of Mars, as Vernon Howard said by way of example. We do not come forth strictly from our parents’ procreation but from the universe. And the universe has unbreakable laws.
Today’s man or women is sickeningly materialistic and head-bound. Not only are we head-bound, we are intellectually driven machines. We are attached electronically to things which do not feed essence. We do not have to try and change this; we cannot. All we can do is be honest about our addicted condition.
I learned the Work from a master teacher, Vernon Howard. He was strict and uncompromising. He babied no one. Light years ahead of us, he shook us to our cores, made us wonder if there was anything we can do. Well, as an observer there is much you can do. You can watch yourself do the things you don’t want to do, out of fear of retribution. You can watch yourself destroy someone you love. You can watch yourself crucify people in your head. The list is endless. But no one wants to do this work of self-observation. It takes intention and energy. And we give our energy away too easily. As Gurdjieff said, “Anyone can ride in your taxi.”
So the Work is hidden from the ego and the world. No one will see you doing it. If they do, you are just another pharisee. You have to do the Work in secret. This is esoteric Christianity and you must devote your life to it. Of course, the first thing you will discover is your hypocrisy. So now you have something to work on. You can witness how you say one thing and feel another. You can watch yourself cower before important people and perhaps be less than kind to people you consider beneath you.
The Work is about witnessing and it takes stamina to stay with it. For many years I have led a life of restriction. I didn’t choose it; it chose me so I could learn in privacy and solitude. We have no free will and the Work shows you this again and again. If you argue with this, you are simply deluding yourself.
Self-discovery is never pleasant. We seldom discover things about ourselves that are wonderful. After Vernon Howard died, he came to me in a dream. He said,”Don’t be so accommodating. Act a little tough!” He was referencing my habit of giving myself away too easily, a pattern I picked up in childhood. If you wonder how he could teach me after he left the body, so did I. But it was a state of true wonder and gratitude. As it is said, “The Work will find a way.”
I have no idea how many people will read and be interested in this note. If you are, let me know.
Vicki Woodyard
You’re so right, Vicki. The work truly will always find a way and it is an intense and personal journey. The place where the work is done is deep within our hearts and our pain. It does take stamina, not just day by day, but minute by minute. But, when that rare and beautiful light breaks through, oh, the joy and knowledge of unconditional love!
Tibby, you say it beautifully. I notice that the song “Steer Your Way” on Leonard Cohen’s new album speaks to what you said.
I will find it and listen to it. You are introducing me to Leonard Cohen’s music – thank you!
Thank you Vicki!
I resonate with the message in your writings and appreciate your willingness to express this.
Thank you. Vernon is part of my spiritual DNA. Even so, it is hard to write about his teachings, as he was on a higher level than most. We could only guess at where he might be, having the strength and ability to give 45-minute talks 3 times a week. He was able to hold a group together until his death in 1992. At that time, the group splintered, as all do after the death of a teacher. I left after my husband got ill. I feel I write in my own way but influenced by him.
Thank you, Vicki. Think I’ll google Vernon Howard now..
Vicki, is there a particular book by Vernon Howard you would recommend? Thanks!
Pathways to Perfect Living is good. My favorite is a book of spiritual oneliners, A Treasury of Trueness.
I am absolutely interested! It is difficult Work. I’ve been witnessing for many years. I am grateful for your insight and writing. ❤️
I was led to Vernon Howard’s work through you Vicki thank you! I so enjoy when you write or talk about Vernon and look forward to more!!! I would really like to explore his method “The Work”? Not sure where to find it???
It is strange but I am getting definite responses when I write about him. He is on YouTube; he died in 1992. You can get a sense
of how he taught. I craved a stern approach, although many don’t. You have to be ready to have your block knocked off so some good
strong light can come in. You can Google him, Gurdjieff, the Fourth Way. But I try and keep it simple when I talk about him or the
Work. Just my style. You can get lost in rhetoric so easily. This is about being present.
I recently stumbled upon you on a Vernon Howard Facebook group that I am involved in. Found VH through Guy Finley’s work. I am truly grateful for both of them and now it has been refreshing to find you to add to the joy of a day. Keep it coming, and Thank You!
You’re most welcome. To be drawn to the path is grace.
It seems as though Vernon Howard as I listen to him on you tube, he was amazing it seem he knew where people were and willing to share he understood so much and yet I struggle minute by minute to accomplish a quite mind or be still. He is authentic!! I have bought some of his books and tapes. I need his teachings.
We all have trouble quieting our noisy minds, no exceptions. What you are like, everyone is like. All illusions about other people being nice are stripped away long with your own false front.
Hi Vicky
Thank you for the post, I’ve been an avid reader and listener of Vernon’s teachings for a few year’s now, and I have to my life has transformed for the better, even though I only have an ounce of awareness.
Sincerely
Irwin
Vernon would say that is a fine start!
I’m a very confused VH reader. I have been reading his work (and Guy Finley’s) on and off for a while but struggle with the “how” to parts. Recently though I have discovered a very deep painful need within which I know is from childhood. Can you recommend a book, audio etc to help me with this. I also lost my darling husband recently and the pain is excruciating, any help towards easing this pain would be gratefully. Louisa
Vernon did not discuss grief, strangely enough. He taught the Work of Gurdjieff and many other awakened people. The main thing to do is to study yourself relentlessly.
It is also important to study the world and other people as well. Only in this way will one come to recognize the true light.
Vernon did not discuss grief, strangely enough. He taught the Work of Gurdjieff and many other awakened people. The main thing to do is to study yourself relentlessly.
It is also important to study the world and other people as well. Only in this way will one come to recognize the true light.
Vernon did talk about grief briefly in an interview. He said like depression it was a false state of the old nature. I know many who have lost loved ones will disagree be cause I to have lost love ones. Vernon stated in that interview that we should not be connected to anyone but stay with the truth and Remember the true reason of our purpose here. The tape I referenced is Inspiring Interviews With Vernon Howard. I humbly say this I have read and studied many teachers in my life. Vernon Howard is truly the only teacher that could find no pionts of argument with. He just took reality to a point that left no argument and could drive the truth right into the willing student even if it meant being humiliated. I just love his teachings and will continue to read and listen to all the gems he has left from his journey on this plain. Vicki I don’t always see eye to eye with your path and that is ok you would not agree with mine either. But we love Vernon Howard’s teachings and that is common ground.
Yes, I studied him intensely for many years. As a writer, I follow my intuition and speak of my own journey. At some point I let go of just his teachings and let myself write in my own way. He touched many; I touch the few.Love is love is love is love.