2-nd Annual Gurdjieff Conference in Armenia

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2-nd Annual Gurdjieff Conference in Armenia

Yerevan and Sanahin Excursion, Armenia: June 11 & 12, 2005

Day 1: to be held at the American University of Armenia

Day 2: Day trip to Sanahin and Haghpat Monasteries, and Feast

Languages of Conference: English and Armenian

Saturday, June 11: Conference Sessions: 10:00-5:30, and 7:00-9:30 PM

Yerevan, at the American University of Armenia (Small Conference Hall).

Attendance is Free

Sunday, June 12: Excursion to Sanahin, Haghpat and Banquet: Leave: 8:30 sharp. Return to Yerevan at approximately 11:30 PM

***Limited Space: Advance Reservations Required by Sunday, June 5

For details and reservation confirmation please see information below

Project Coordinator: Michael Pittman; e-mail: [email protected]

Conference Topic and Theme:

G.I. Gurdjieff (1866?-1949) is an important figure in early 20th century philosophical and religious thought who continues to be influential throughout the world. Gurdjieff was born in Gyumri, Armenia and throughout the period of his early travels continued to return to his home there until 1920. During Gurdjieff's lifetime many authors of note were either directly influenced or inspired by his work, including Jean Toomer, René Daumal, Henry Miller, and Katherine Mansfield.

Since his death in 1949, a growing body of secondary literature connected to his work has been produced in psychology, philosophy, literature, health, ecology, and religion. British author Martin Seymour-Smith has recently included Gurdjieff's Beelzebub's Tales To His Grandson in his work The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written: The History of Thought

from Ancient Times to Today. While many works have been written about his life and work, few have addressed the specifically Armenian character of his work. The conference will include presentations and discussions that investigate Gurdjieff, his life, his work, as well as his ideas. In particular, we hope to connect to the roots of Gurdjieff's heritage and

his role as an important philosopher and thinker of Armenia.

Planned Activities:

The first day we will host speakers who will make presentations on Gurdjieff with a question and answer section. There will

be one panel made up a several people who have been involved in Gurdjieff's work and thought from a variety of locales. On the second day, we plan an excursion to Sanahin Monastery to some sites connected with Gurdjieff.*** As part of the trip we will conclude the conference with a banquet.

Proposed Conference Schedule

Saturday, June 11: American University of Armenia, Small Conference Hall

10:00-11:00 Michael Pittman and Vasken Kalyjian: General introductions; Introduction to Gurdjieff and His Work

11:00-12:00 The Music of Gurdjieff

12:00-13:00 Lunch Break

13:00-14:00 Michael Pittman: "Gurdjieff's Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson: Laughter as Demolition and Restoration"

14:00-15:00 Talk: Avetik Melik-Sargsyan: "Gurdjieff's Armenian Identity, cont."

15:00-15:30 Coffee Break

15:30-16:30 George Beke: "Gurdjieff and Greek Thought"

16:30-17:30 Panel: To be Announced

Saturday Evening, American University of Armenia, Small Conference Hall:

19:00-21:30 Screenings / Discussion / Reading of Beelzebub's Tales

Sunday, 12 June: Travel to Sanahin, Haghpat and Caucasian Feast.

Space is limited, Reservations required. Cost: 4000 AMD, 3000 AMD for Students. Please make a reservation by June 5 to

[email protected]

8:30 AM Leave for Sanahin and Haghapat Monasteries (Meet at Tamanian Statue)

11:30 PM Return to Yerevan