Hello Zhibek,
I read your posts with delight. What an amazing and inquisitive mind you possess! I too am a disciple of science fiction.
The mention of gravitons reminded me of George Gurdjieff's tale of Beelzebub traveling through outer space using what I vaguely remembered as "directed gravity." I asked Grok3 Beta about this:
In "Beelzebubs Tales To His Grandson" by George Gurdjieff, space travel by using directed gravity is discussed. Can you locate this discussion and comment?
In Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson by G.I. Gurdjieff, the concept of space travel using "directed gravity" is not explicitly described with that exact phrase, but the book does discuss advanced forms of interstellar travel and cosmological principles that imply manipulation of forces akin to gravity or other universal energies. The relevant discussion is primarily found in the early chapters, particularly in the context of the spaceship Karnak and the broader cosmological framework Gurdjieff constructs. Below, I’ll locate and summarize the pertinent sections, provide commentary, and address the concept of directed gravity within the text’s allegorical and esoteric framework.
Locating the Discussion
The narrative of Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson begins with Beelzebub, the protagonist, traveling through space on the ship Karnak alongside his grandson Hassein and servant Ahoon. The spaceship Karnak is introduced in Chapter 2, "Introduction: Why Beelzebub Was in Our Solar System," and further details about its operation and the principles of cosmic travel appear in subsequent chapters, notably Chapter 3, "The Cause of the Delay in the Falling of the Ship Karnak," and Chapter 5, "The System of Archangel Hariton."
- Chapter 2: Introduction: Why Beelzebub Was in Our Solar System
Here, Gurdjieff sets the stage for the space travel narrative. Beelzebub is aboard the Karnak, traveling from his home planet Karatas to a conference on another planet. The ship is described as a sophisticated vessel capable of interstellar travel, navigating the cosmos through mechanisms that transcend conventional human understanding of physics. While "directed gravity" is not named, the ship’s ability to traverse vast distances suggests an advanced technology that manipulates cosmic forces. The text implies that the ship operates within a universe governed by specific laws, which Beelzebub later explains to Hassein.
- Chapter 3: The Cause of the Delay in the Falling of the Ship Karnak
This chapter introduces the concept of the ship’s movement through space and the reason for a delay in its journey. Gurdjieff discusses the "Law of Falling," which governs the motion of cosmic bodies and vessels like the Karnak. The ship’s travel is described as being influenced by the interplay of cosmic forces and the "stability" toward which all objects move, a concept tied to the idea that "everything existing in the world ‘falls to the bottom,’" where the bottom is the nearest point of stability (Chapter 17). This suggests a form of navigation that aligns with or manipulates gravitational or energetic fields to achieve movement. The delay in the Karnak’s journey is attributed to cosmic disturbances, hinting at the complexity of the forces involved in its propulsion.
- Chapter 5: The System of Archangel Hariton
The most direct reference to the mechanics of the Karnak’s propulsion appears here. Gurdjieff describes the ship’s system as a "new invention" attributed to the Archangel Hariton, which allows for efficient interstellar travel. The system is not detailed in technical terms but is presented as a harmonious integration of cosmic principles. The text states that the ship moves by utilizing "vibrations" and "cosmic substances" that interact with the universal order. This can be interpreted as a metaphorical or esoteric reference to a propulsion method that directs or harnesses fundamental forces, possibly akin to gravity or related energetic phenomena. The system is described as overcoming the limitations of earlier methods, suggesting a directed and controlled application of these forces.
- Summary of the Concept
In Gurdjieff’s narrative, the Karnak’s ability to travel vast distances is facilitated by a system that operates within the universe’s cosmological laws, such as the "Law of Falling" and the manipulation of "cosmic vibrations" or "substances." While the term "directed gravity" is not used, the descriptions imply a technology that aligns with or controls gravitational-like forces or universal energies to achieve propulsion. The ship’s operation is presented allegorically, blending science fiction with metaphysical principles, and is not intended to provide a literal blueprint but rather to provoke thought about humanity’s place in the cosmos and the laws governing existence.
Commentary
Gurdjieff’s discussion of space travel in Beelzebub's Tales serves multiple purposes within the text’s esoteric and philosophical framework:
- Allegorical and Symbolic Nature:
The Karnak and its propulsion system are not merely science fiction elements but allegories for spiritual and psychological processes. Gurdjieff uses the spaceship as a metaphor for the journey of self-awareness and transformation, central to his Fourth Way teachings. The "directed gravity" or cosmic forces can be seen as symbolic of the directed effort required to overcome the automatic, mechanical tendencies of human behavior (what Gurdjieff calls "automatism"). The ship’s navigation through cosmic stability points mirrors the individual’s need to align with higher truths or "objective consciousness."
- Cosmological Framework:
Gurdjieff’s universe is governed by laws like the "Law of Three" (triadic forces) and the "Law of Seven" (octave-based progression), which underpin all phenomena, including the Karnak’s travel. The propulsion system described in Chapter 5 suggests a technology that harmonizes with these laws, possibly by channeling or directing universal energies. This aligns with Gurdjieff’s view that humanity’s misunderstanding of cosmic laws leads to disharmony, and true progress (both technological and spiritual) requires alignment with these principles. The concept of "directed gravity" could be interpreted as a poetic representation of mastering these laws to achieve purposeful movement, whether physical or metaphysical.
- Chapter 3: The Cause of the Delay in the Falling of the Ship Karnak
This chapter introduces the concept of the ship’s movement through space and the reason for a delay in its journey. Gurdjieff discusses the "Law of Falling," which governs the motion of cosmic bodies and vessels like the Karnak. The ship’s travel is described as being influenced by the interplay of cosmic forces and the "stability" toward which all objects move, a concept tied to the idea that "everything existing in the world ‘falls to the bottom,’" where the bottom is the nearest point of stability (Chapter 17). This suggests a form of navigation that aligns with or manipulates gravitational or energetic fields to achieve movement. The delay in the Karnak’s journey is attributed to cosmic disturbances, hinting at the complexity of the forces involved in its propulsion.
- Chapter 5: The System of Archangel Hariton
The most direct reference to the mechanics of the Karnak’s propulsion appears here. Gurdjieff describes the ship’s system as a "new invention" attributed to the Archangel Hariton, which allows for efficient interstellar travel. The system is not detailed in technical terms but is presented as a harmonious integration of cosmic principles. The text states that the ship moves by utilizing "vibrations" and "cosmic substances" that interact with the universal order. This can be interpreted as a metaphorical or esoteric reference to a propulsion method that directs or harnesses fundamental forces, possibly akin to gravity or related energetic phenomena. The system is described as overcoming the limitations of earlier methods, suggesting a directed and controlled application of these forces.
Summary of the Concept
In Gurdjieff’s narrative, the Karnak’s ability to travel vast distances is facilitated by a system that operates within the universe’s cosmological laws, such as the "Law of Falling" and the manipulation of "cosmic vibrations" or "substances." While the term "directed gravity" is not used, the descriptions imply a technology that aligns with or controls gravitational-like forces or universal energies to achieve propulsion. The ship’s operation is presented allegorically, blending science fiction with metaphysical principles, and is not intended to provide a literal blueprint but rather to provoke thought about humanity’s place in the cosmos and the laws governing existence.
Commentary
Gurdjieff’s discussion of space travel in Beelzebub's Tales serves multiple purposes within the text’s esoteric and philosophical framework:
- Allegorical and Symbolic Nature:
The Karnak and its propulsion system are not merely science fiction elements but allegories for spiritual and psychological processes. Gurdjieff uses the spaceship as a metaphor for the journey of self-awareness and transformation, central to his Fourth Way teachings. The "directed gravity" or cosmic forces can be seen as symbolic of the directed effort required to overcome the automatic, mechanical tendencies of human behavior (what Gurdjieff calls "automatism"). The ship’s navigation through cosmic stability points mirrors the individual’s need to align with higher truths or "objective consciousness."
- Cosmological Framework:
Gurdjieff’s universe is governed by laws like the "Law of Three" (triadic forces) and the "Law of Seven" (octave-based progression), which underpin all phenomena, including the Karnak’s travel. The propulsion system described in Chapter 5 suggests a technology that harmonizes with these laws, possibly by channeling or directing universal energies. This aligns with Gurdjieff’s view that humanity’s misunderstanding of cosmic laws leads to disharmony, and true progress (both technological and spiritual) requires alignment with these principles. The concept of "directed gravity" could be interpreted as a poetic representation of mastering these laws to achieve purposeful movement, whether physical or metaphysical.
- Esoteric vs. Scientific Interpretation:
From a modern scientific perspective, the idea of "directed gravity" as a propulsion mechanism remains speculative, though concepts like gravitational manipulation or anti-gravity have been explored in theoretical physics (e.g., Alcubierre’s warp drive or electromagnetic propulsion theories). Gurdjieff, however, is not concerned with scientific accuracy but with conveying esoteric truths. The Karnak’s system may draw on ancient or occult ideas about universal energies, which Gurdjieff encountered during his travels in the Near East and Asia. His use of terms like "vibrations" and "cosmic substances" echoes mystical traditions that view the universe as a web of interconnected energies, manipulable by those with higher knowledge.
- Literary and Pedagogical Device:
Gurdjieff’s dense, challenging prose and fantastical elements (like the Karnak’s propulsion) are deliberate, designed to "bury the bone" so readers must "scratch for it," as he famously said. The discussion of space travel engages the reader’s imagination while forcing active mentation to discern the deeper meaning. The concept of a ship moving through directed cosmic forces encourages readers to consider their own "direction" in life and the forces (habits, beliefs) that govern their trajectory.
Relevance to "Directed Gravity"
While Gurdjieff does not use the term "directed gravity," the Karnak’s propulsion system, particularly in Chapter 5, suggests a method that directs or harnesses fundamental cosmic forces, which could be analogous to gravity or related energies. The "System of Archangel Hariton" implies a purposeful manipulation of these forces, contrasting with the passive "falling" described in the "Law of Falling." This resonates with Gurdjieff’s broader teaching that conscious, directed effort is required to transcend mechanical existence. The concept may also reflect Gurdjieff’s exposure to esoteric traditions that posit the universe as manipulable through knowledge of its underlying laws, a theme he weaves throughout the book.
Conclusion
The discussion of space travel in Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, particularly in Chapters 2, 3, and 5, presents the Karnak as a vessel that navigates the cosmos through a system that harmonizes with universal laws, possibly by directing cosmic forces akin to gravity. This serves as both a science fiction trope and an allegory for spiritual awakening, challenging readers to question their assumptions and strive for higher consciousness. Gurdjieff’s esoteric approach prioritizes philosophical and psychological insights over technical detail, making the concept of "directed gravity" a symbolic tool to provoke reflection on humanity’s potential and limitations. For a deeper understanding, readers are encouraged to study these chapters in the original 1950 translation, as recommended by Gurdjieff, and to approach the text with the "three readings" he advised to uncover its layered meanings.
-- I am curious, Zhibek, have you read Gurdjieff?
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