HYPNOTISM

Hypnotism

When these papers were given I had not heard Joseph Sandford’s A&E 2005 paper on hypnotism, now that I have it gives a specific context for Gurdjieff’s mode of writing, and suggests his possible aim in disorientating readers. I have also been reading about Milton H. Erickson’s therapeutic techniques and seen some correlation between them and a UK television performer Derren Brown who sometimes explains how he does his ‘tricks of the mind’. I think watching television magicians and ‘mind readers’ in relation to the use of suggestive language can bring a new awareness to reading Gurdjieff’s writings.

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Here is a response to Sanford’s paper from

John Scullion
Speaking as a member of the Reading Panel and as an attendee who listened to Joseph Sandford's paper delivered at A&E 2005 I would like to make some comments.
The subject of Hypnotism is, indeed, widely spread throughout Beelzebub's Tales and the notes you made are very sound starting-points for anyone developing a deeper interest in the phenomenon.
It is certainly time that this topic enjoyed some attention from Gurdjieffians themselves, as it is surely a critical factor in Gurdjieff's description of the condition of contemporary mankind and the 'waking sleep' [trance-states] of the particular individual. I think there has been an obstacle to the impartial and critical consideration of the fact of hypnotism - until now, after all, surely someone who is 'working on themselves' is somehow immune to hypnotism, or less susceptible than ordinary individuals? Thus, perhaps, the fact of hypnotism is rationalised and denial is justified. But surely a through understanding of Hypnotism is not an 'optional extra'? In fact, it may well be the critical factor in comprehending and countering the levels of 'sleep' that prevent us from being real.
There ought to be the spirit of inquiry and the courage to admit the fact and then explore the mechanisms, the role, the degrees and the results of the hypnotic state. We should be asking: Are we hypnotised?
How do we become hypnotised? Is hypnotism both a positive and a negative thing? Is it to be fought against or can it be used creatively? Does Gurdjieff's writing employ hypnotic techniques? Once we begin there is much to consider and, perhaps, discover. It may well be that a few, maybe many, cherished assumptions and convictions will be overturned once sincere questioning begins.
I do get the gist of what David Head is saying. [David Head commented that if the Tales has the same hypnotic effect on everyone who reads it, then it would conform to Gurdjieff’s definition of an objective work of art.] If that case can be made then it is surely a very significant thing. There is much here to be done by scholars and students of Gurdjieff's writings. I, myself, realise that the introduction of this topic has opened up a well of ignorance on my part, founded, at least partly, upon a certain suspicion and denial of the subject of hypnotism; a superstitious attitude no less.