Self-Remembering: The Gateway to True Awareness

George Ivanovich Gurdjieff introduced the concept of self-remembering as a central tenet of his teachings, emphasizing its transformative potential in breaking free from the mechanical patterns of everyday life. Self-remembering is not merely a philosophical idea but a direct practice aimed at achieving a higher state of consciousness. It serves as a bridge between the conditioned, habitual existence of the human mind and the luminous clarity of pure awareness, which in Tibetan Buddhist teachings is likened to Rigpa, the pristine, non-dual awareness at the heart of Mahamudra.

The State of Mechanical Being

In our ordinary state, Gurdjieff observed, humans operate as machines. This mechanical state is governed by:

• Conditioning: The accumulated habits, societal norms, and subconscious patterns that dictate our actions.
• Reflexive Behaviors: Automatic responses to stimuli without conscious awareness.
• Low Consciousness: A lack of presence, where life unfolds without deeper awareness of the moment.

For example, daily routines like walking, eating, or even thinking often occur without active engagement. These behaviors are dictated by past conditioning and external triggers, resulting in a fragmented and reactive existence. In this state, the mind is clouded, bound by thoughts and emotions, and cut off from its deeper potential.

The Transition to Self-Remembering

Gurdjieff described self-remembering as a sudden “quantum jump” in consciousness—a shift from being absorbed in mechanical patterns to a state of full awareness. This state is characterized by:

1. Awareness of the Present: A complete immersion in the moment, where sensations, perceptions, and thoughts are observed without attachment or aversion.
2. Non-Identification: A realization that the “self” is not the sum of thoughts, emotions, or roles but something much deeper.
3. Increased Clarity: The world appears vibrant, alive, and full of color; every sound and sensation is experienced with heightened intensity.
4. Openness and Acceptance: The absence of conflict, judgment, or resistance.

In self-remembering, one becomes both the observer and the observed, witnessing the interplay of thoughts, emotions, and actions without losing oneself in them. This practice requires consistent effort—what Gurdjieff referred to as “work on oneself.”

The Key: Watching Without Judgment

Gurdjieff emphasized that the secret to maintaining self-remembering is watching:

• Watch When You Lose Awareness: Recognize the triggers or patterns that pull you back into mechanical behavior.
• Watch Without Willpower: Avoid using force or compulsion to maintain awareness, as this leads to inner conflict.
• Watch with Presence: Be fully attentive to the moment, allowing awareness to naturally emerge.

This practice aligns closely with the Tibetan Buddhist approach of Rigpa, where one recognizes the mind’s luminous and empty nature through pure observation.

From Self-Remembering to Rigpa

Self-remembering, as Gurdjieff described, is the foundation for accessing higher states of consciousness. Beyond this state lies Rigpa, a profound recognition of the ultimate nature of mind. In this state:

• The mind is experienced as luminous and empty, unbound by thoughts or emotions.
• The dualities of self and other, subject and object dissolve.
• One experiences life as a seamless flow, grounded in the present yet connected to infinite potential.

In Tibetan Mahamudra and Dzogchen teachings, this state is described as shunyata (emptiness) infused with prabhasvara (luminosity). It is the essence of enlightenment—a direct knowing of one’s true nature.

The Path: Overcoming Conditioning

Breaking free from mechanical being requires persistent effort and awareness. The process involves:

1. Recognizing Conditioning: Understand the patterns that keep you bound to the mechanical state.
2. Staying Present: Cultivate the habit of observing each moment with full attention.
3. Letting Go: Release attachment to thoughts, emotions, and preconceived notions.
4. Trusting Awareness: Allow consciousness to unfold naturally without force.

Enlightenment as Living Presence

Gurdjieff’s teachings, when combined with the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism, illuminate a path where self-remembering becomes the stepping stone to enlightenment. By recognizing and embodying the state of Rigpa, one experiences life not as a mechanical repetition but as an ever-unfolding expression of boundless potential.

To practice self-remembering is to awaken to your authentic self—a luminous presence that transcends the mechanical patterns of the mind. In doing so, life is no longer dictated by conditioning but becomes a vibrant expression of freedom and clarity. Shunyam Adhibhu