Talk:Fellowship of Friends/Draft rewrite

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THE DRAFT REWRITE PAGE HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE MAIN ARTICLE. Mario Fantoni 06:20, 10 May 2007 (UTC)


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The Fellowship of Friends is a spiritual school based on the Fourth Way teaching that was founded in 1970 by Robert Earl Burton. The Fellowship's mission is to help its members awaken[1]. As of 2007, the organization has approximately 2,000 members, about a third of which live around the organization's property Northern California. The rest of its members live in North and South America, Europe and Asia. [2] The Fellowship of Friends is recognized by the state and federal governments as a non-profit religious organization. [3]

Contents

[edit] Beliefs and practices

The Fellowship of Friends was founded as a school for spiritual development in the Fourth Way tradition, which has been transmitted in this century by George Gurdjieff, Peter Ouspensky and Rodney Collin. The organization believes that since the Fourth Way is based on individual verification and understanding, as well as on personal transmission, each teacher reinterprets it anew. In the Fellowship of Friends, the knowledge has been expanded to embrace the legacy of spiritually developed men and women of all ages (such us Marcus Aurelius, St. Paul, Lao Tzu and others). [1]. [4]. The organization's most current Newsletters (2004-2007) reveal that, besides the Fourth Way, it now incorporates in its belief structure thoughts and teachings from ancient esoteric schools. It draws from the teachings of Sufi, Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and other religions, including interpretations of symbols from ancient Egyptian civilization[2]. Some references can be found in [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

[edit] Self-Remembering

Self-remembering, a concept from the Fourth Way system, is a central idea in Robert Burton's teaching [8]. According to the Fourth Way, no one is automatically aware of himself, no one is conscious of himself, no one ‘remembers’ himself. People are said to exist in a state of dim awareness and uncontrolled attention, while more consciousness could be attained through purposeful effort. Self-remembering may be described as the practice of bringing a sense of presence or existence into the moment, of being aware of oneself and what one is doing. This presence is very fleeting at first. Members of the Fellowship of Friends are instructed in ways to sustain it with the aim to create a permanent higher state of consciousness. [5]This state of presence is understood to be the hidden meaning and purpose of life on Earth. [9]

[edit] Consciousness and functions

According to Robert E. Burton, consciousness [10] is a wordless state of presence that is simultaneously aware of itself and what it observes and which remains hidden to the usual sense of self created by sensory input, movement, emotion, and thought. Burton teaches that prompting consciousness to be aware of itself is what self-remembering has always been about for conscious schools (defined as “schools headed by a conscious being”) and those possessing knowledge taught by such schools. The stated theory is that consciousness resides above the realm of imagination and has a clarity of perception that is independent of normal human functions, called “lower centers”, in contrast to consciousness, referred to as “higher centers”. Robert Burton teaches that, through intensive work on self-remembering, control of “higher centers” can be achieved. The Fellowship stresses self-remembering as a way to prevent the usual functions – thoughts, movements, emotions, sensations from obscuring the experience of consciousness itself. [11]

[edit] The many 'I's

Many I's is a term from the Fourth Way and means each feeling of ‘I’ [12]: I think, I want, I know best, I prefer, I am happy, hungry, tired, etc. These feelings of ‘I’, however, are small, independent functions of the human machine (a term used in the Fourth Way system to emphasize that humans are mechanical and do not function with self awareness). The Fourth Way teaches that the many I's come from four independent "minds" or "functions" in man, which are called lower centers (instinctive, moving, intellectual and emotional). The four centers/functions and all the I's they produce are an automatic reaction to the moment. None of them is conscious of itself being present to the moment. Something that stands apart from these many I's and simply watches them is called the unified "real I" of consciousness. The work, as practiced in the Fellowship of Friends, revolves around methods to gradually separate consciousness from functions through various efforts of intentional behavior and controlling attention. [13]

[edit] Higher centers and higher states

All efforts of the members of the Fellowship of Friends revolve around one aim: to reach higher centers and experience higher states of consciousness.[14] It is believed that when one divides attention and becomes aware of oneself and one's surroundings at the same time, the veil of imagination is lifted and replaced with presence. Experiences like this are said to never be forgotten because they are a higher state of consciousness that exists outside of time. The idea promoted by Robert Burton is that attaining these higher centers, which do not produce I's and are conscious, is the hidden meaning of life on earth.

[edit] Transformation

Members of the Fellowship of Friends believe that the idea behind transformation is that suffering creates a pressure which, when used correctly, can dispel imagination and perpetuate self-remembering. Members are told, when suffering comes their way, to make a conscious effort not to resist, resent or blame suffering. Robert Earl Burton calls this "the hidden meaning of suffering."[6] Transformation starts with work on negative emotions. Robert Burton uses the terms transformation of negativity and transformation of suffering almost interchangeably. When one is able not to express a negative emotion, one changes or “transforms” it into a kind of suffering, in the sense that one bears it without resistance or expression. The next step is to learn how to transform the suffering.[7]Robert Burton also says that this effort begins by letting go of imaginary suffering — not displaying irritation and impatience, not complaining or criticizing, not worrying, not blaming, and, above all, not feeling sorry for ourselves – and by replacing it with the effort to divide attention. [15]

[edit] Impressions

To promote Self-Remembering through impressions has always been one of the pilars of Robert Burton's teaching. Members of the Fellowship of Friends use beautiful impressions created by art and culture to generate energy for self-remembering. Robert Burton said, "We talk about culture a fair amount, but its highest achievement is to lead to self-remembering. When we speak about art, we must remember it is a distant second to self-remembering, and we must use it as a medium to divide attention."[16]

[edit] C influence

According to the Fourth Way system, there are three kinds of influences for man. Mr. Ouspensky states that "all people in the ordinary conditions of life live under two kinds of [these] influences. First there are the influences created in life, desire for riches, fame and so on, which we call influences A. Secondly, there are other influences which come from outside life, which work in the same conditions although they are different, and we call these influences B ... If man accumulates influences B, the results of these influences crystallize in him (I use the word crystallize in the ordinary sense) and form in him a certain kind of centre of attraction which we call magnetic centre."[8]
Then, he introduces the third kind: "But if this magnetic centre in man grows, then after some time he meets another man, or a group of people, from whom he can learn something different, something that is not included in influences B, and which we call influence C. This influence is conscious in origin and action and can only be transmitted by direct instruction. Influences B can come through books and works of art and things like that, but influence C can only come by direct contact. If a man in whom magnetic centre has grown meets with a man or a group through whom he comes into contact with influence C, that means that he has made the first step. Then there is a possibility of development for him."
The Fellowship of Friends refers to itself as a conscious school for spiritual evolution. According to the Fellowship of Friend's teaching, only a certain number of individuals can awaken and escape with the direct help of C Influence[9] About this help, Burton says that "... we [the Fellowship of Friends] receive influence C because life rejects it. They pursue influence A, while we pursue influence C."[10]. However, he says that in 1967 they revealed themselves to him through his teacher, and life after death became a reality[11].

[edit] Esoteric schools

One of the central tenets of Robert Burton's teaching is that esoteric schools have existed since the dawn of humanity and that they all used the same system for awakening man from sleep, although the language they used to convey it may have been slightly different. The purpose of all these schools (ancient Egyptians, Jews, Hindus, Christians, Muslims, authors of the Tarot deck, Gothic architects and Sufi tradition) is said to have been to teach people how to be present and prolong presence with the ultimate aim of achieving a permanent state in one's higher centers. The system presented by Gurdjieff in the 20th century is said to be the first exoteric manifestation of such ancient knowledge that had previously been concealed in symbols, stories and poetic metaphors.

[edit] The principle of payment

As a part of work on oneself, the Fellowship of Friends teaching incorporates what P.D. Ouspensky refers to as “a most important principle in the work”: payment. To join the Fellowship, members are asked to pay a tithe on their gross monthly income. The membership donation is reduced for the first year to allow time for verifications to occur. Fees are paid from month to month and a member may leave at any time. To rejoin, a re-entry fee applies. [17].

[edit] History

The Fellowship of Friends was founded in 1970 by Robert Burton. In 1971, the organization acquired 1,300 acres of land in Oregon House, Calif., which is located about 20 miles northeast of Marysville, California, in the Sierra Foothills. It was registered as a religion in 1979, according to amended articles of incorporation.[12]. It is not known at this time what the original articles of incorporation, or future amended articles of incorporation say in this regard.

The original intent of this land was to provide its membership with a retreat where they could realize their principles of self-development.

As mentioned above, it was not the original intent of the Fellowship members to create a vineyard and winery. However, one of Germany's renowned wine masters, Dr. Karl Werner, was introduced to the Fellowship of Friends and became interested in its philosophy. Upon visiting its retreat, he was struck by the wine making possibilities. Beginning in 1974, under his direction, a vineyard was planted and a winery was built. In 1979 the first grapes were harvested. Eventually, 365 acres were planted with vines. The vineyard has since been reduced to approximately 100 acres and output has been decreased. The winery has produced several award winning wines. Renaissance Vineyard and Winery is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fellowship of Friends. [18][19]

[edit] Effects on the community

Since the Fellowship of Friends established in Oregon House, its influence never ceased to fuel the regional economic activity. Some of the many companies born at its influence, surely beneficial for the community are: Renaissance Vineyard and Winery Renaissance; Apollo Olive Oil Apollo Olive Oil or Terra d'Oro Terra d'Oro, whose products, beyond enhancig the regional welfare, have been awarded in different competitions.

[edit] Controversies

[edit] Lawsuits

The leader of the Fellowship of Friends, Robert Earl Burton, and the organization were sued in 1996 by Troy Buzbee, a former member of the organization, who asked for $5 million in damages[13]. Burton and the Fellowship of Friends were accused over charges of non-consensual sex, sex with a minor, and brainwashing but the plaintiff failed to get a sentence in the case. This case and another lawsuit claiming sexual abuse were settled out of court on undisclosed terms. [14]The Fellowship's President, Linda Tulisso, in an interview with The Sacramento Bee on May 2, 2007, said, "One suit was dismissed and two others were settled by the Fellowship's insurance companies to save the costs of litigation." [20]

[edit] Predictions by Robert Burton

According to cult-expert Robert L. Snow, Mr. Burton says that the work or undertaking that "higher forces" have given to the Fellowship of Friends, is to create an "ark" to preserve civilization following the destruction of civilization as we know it. The same source states that Burton says that "higher forces" are comprised of a group of 44 individuals that include Benjamin Franklin, Christ, and Plato [15]. Though the dates for this predictions are not mentioned in "Self-Remembering", Mr. Burton's book, it is said that Mr. Burton was given to believe that a world-wide depression would occur in February 1984; besides, Mr. Haven, a prominent member of the organization, added that Mr. Burton has said that California would be destroyed in a major earthquake occurring in April 1998, and that thermonuclear war (Armageddon) would occur in September 2006.[16]. This last prediction has also been mentioned in an anti-cult organization's webpages[21], and in a Los Angeles Times article [22].

[edit] Fees

The Fellowship of Friends has been described by some as a "pleasure-and consumer-oriented cult" [17]. The group requires members to pay at least 10 percent of their gross incomes each month, and several members pay more than this [18]. The group's overall worth in the late 1990s was estimated at $26 million, while Robert Burton's annual salary was at least $250,000 [19].

[edit] Criticism by Former Members

According to some cult-experts, some former members and detractors have criticized Burton for alleged sexual abuse, excessive control, and brainwashing. He has been sued for these charges, though no sentence was reached; the cases were settled out of court on undisclosed terms. [23] [20]. Robert Snow states in his book that several members have left the organization in recent years because of these and other [above mentioned] charges against Burton[21]. This book also states that the Fellowship of Friends has numerous rules. According to Snow, many former members believe these rules are methods to exert control over the membership [22]. For example, smoking is disallowed in the group and may lead to fines as high as $1,500. Burton has also been accused of forbidding members to dye their hair, have mixed-breed pets, or ride bicycles [23]. Snow claims that Burton has also regulated the diets and sex lives of members [24], and that he discourages members from socializing with people outside the Fellowship, including former members and families[25] [24].

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.gurdjieff-ouspensky-centers.org/english/joining_a_conscious_school/faqs.shtml
  2. ^ http://www.gurdjieff-ouspensky-centers.org/english/joining_a_conscious_school/friends.shtml
  3. ^ http://www.gurdjieff-ouspensky-centers.org/english/joining_a_conscious_school/faqs.shtml
  4. ^ "Self-Remembering" by Robert E. Burton, Samuel Weiser Books, ISBN 0-877-28844-5. p. ix]
  5. ^ "Creating a Soul", Girard Haven, Ulysses Books; pages 606+
  6. ^ "Self-Remembering", Robert E. Burton, Weiser Books; reprint edition (September 1995), pages 89+
  7. ^ Notes from a Conscious Teaching, Ulysses Books, 1997
  8. ^ Peter D. Ouspensky, The Fourth Way, Vintage, 1973,ISBN: 0394719433 Chapter 1
  9. ^ "Self-Remembering", Robert E. Burton, Weiser Books; reprint edition (September 1995), page 158
  10. ^ "Self-Remembering", Robert E. Burton. Samuel Weiser Inc., 1995, page 152
  11. ^ "Self-Remembering", Robert E. Burton. Samuel Weiser Inc., 1995, page 151
  12. ^ Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation of The Fellowship of Friends, Inc., dated January 7, 1979 ("The purposes for which this corporation is formed are: (a) the specific and primary purpose is as a religion. . . .")
  13. ^ LA Times 1996 Article
  14. ^ Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 123
  15. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 121
  16. ^ "Creating a Soul: Insights from a Fourth Way School", Girard Haven, Publisher: Ulysses Books, ISBN 0-9645782-2-0, Library of Congress CCN 99-070784, page 581
  17. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers., 2003, page 121
  18. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 123
  19. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 122
  20. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 123
  21. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 123
  22. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 122
  23. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 122
  24. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 122
  25. ^ "Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers", Robert L. Snow. Praeger Publishers, 2003, page 122

[edit] Further reading

  • Self-Remembering by Robert E. Burton, IWeiser Books, ISBN 0-877-28844-5
  • Dear Friend: Letters Based on the Teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff and P.D. Ouspensky, Ulysses Books, ISBN 0-964-57827-1

[edit] External links

[edit] Material produced by the Fellowship of Friends

[edit] Newspaper articles on the Fellowship of Friends

[edit] Criticism

(Drafts should not end up in categories) [[Category:New religious movements]] [[Category:Fourth Way]] [[Category:Esoteric schools of thought]]