The Struggle of the Magicians
THE STRUGGLE OF THE MAGICIANS
Scenario of the Ballet
Author: Gurdjieff, G.
ISBN: 978-0957248120
Binding: Hardback
Publisher: Book Studio
Publish Date: 2014
Pages: 50
Size: 5.5″ x 8.5″
“My ballet is not a mystery,” replied Mr. G.
“The purpose of it is to present an interesting and beautiful spectacle. Of course, under the visible forms a certain sense is hidden, but I did not aim at demonstrating or emphasizing it. The chief position in this ballet is occupied by certain dances. I will explain this to you shortly.
“Imagine that in studying the laws of movement of the celestial bodies, let us say the planets of the solar system, you have constructed a special mechanism for the vivid representation and recording of these laws. Every planet of this mechanism is represented by a ball of corresponding size and is placed at a strictly determined distance from the central ball which stands for the sun. You set the mechanism in motion and all the balls begin to turn and move in definite ways reproducing in a lifelike manner the laws which rule their movements. This mechanism reminds you of your knowledge. Likewise in the rhythm of certain dances, in strictly determined movements and combinations of the dances, certain laws are vividly recalled. Such dances are called sacred.
“During the period of my wanderings in the East, I often saw dances of this kind executed during the performances of sacred services in some of the ancient temples. This spectacle is inaccessible and unknown to Europeans. Some of these dances are reproduced in The Struggle of the Magicians.
“Further than this I may tell you that at the basis of The Struggle of the Magicians lie three thoughts, but as I have no hope that they will be understood by the public if I only give the ballet on the stage I call it simply a spectacle.”
— Gurdjieff’s Early Talks 1914-1931, Reflexes of Truth (p. 27)
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2.0 out of 5 stars Missing Introduction
Heads up...the hard cover edition is missing the introduction...the self cover edition has a wonderful introduction that should have been included in a hard cover...especially considering the price. Was this a mistake or what. I will have to get the paper back edition....what a drag....
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
A handsome book by Gurdjieff. An unexpected, a kind of tale-summary of his main ideas. Would be interesting for his "fans", as well as for others wishing to familiarize oneself with works of this famous ingenious man
5.0 out of 5 stars Hidden knowledge. Remember yourself.
Easy to read but with huge knowledge inside. If you are into GIG, this is kind of an advanced book.
2.0 out of 5 stars what is it?
I couldn't tell from the preview, but if this is the book which starts with "THE ACTION takes place in a large commercial town of the East", then it is available for free online. But in that case it would be the Gurdjieff book titled "The Struggle of the Magicians". Why does "About the Author" list "David Kherdian", who is that? It would be good to have more product information, for instance does this come with a musical score? Is there an introduction or other context?
5.0 out of 5 stars Gurdjieff
Good stuff as an intro to the 4th Way. You could put on the play and help those around you.
4.0 out of 5 stars Fans of Gurdjieff Must Have!
Pure genius. Created by the master. It is a small book, but it is a gem. Many of us have wondered for decades what were the details of this rehearsed and prepared production. I got chills as I read it. An inspiring read.
3.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical But Disappointing
I do like the way that the book has been written. The writing style is somewhat lyrical and, in this way, it is one of his more accessible books. For the rest, I also found it to be one of his more superficial books, and I did not find much in the book that enlightened or inspired me. This was sad, as I was expecting a lot more from the book. Did I, perhaps, expect too much?
5.0 out of 5 stars You can not read Gurdjieff without expecting to have to work. He makes you dig and sort out what he is saying.
No one understood or understands the man (Gurdjieff). You must want to understand the message, not the man. Every word has meaning beyound or "ordenary" lives.
5.0 out of 5 stars great
Interesting allegory.this book is a good primer to the teachings of Gurdjieff. I liked it and will re-read. anyone wishing to jump into his writings must read this book.
