Core characteristics of the 4th Way.
A Task – The 4th Way is task oriented. It manifests when something has to be done. After the task is finished it ‘disappears’. This appearance and disappearance can happen in the space of a few days or it may span several centuries. But 4th Way schools and actions in the world are never permanent.
The Ability to DO – In order to carry out a task an individual must have a balanced development of function, being and will.
Functional development means that his instruments for thinking, feeling and sensing (his centers) are connected, balanced, working properly, and directed from higher levels; and that his practical experience, education and training have adequately prepared him to carry out his task.
Being development means that he is self-aware, with a sufficiently mature essence to be stable, virtuous, selfless and free from overt or hidden, internal or external influences, addictions, character flaws and egoic tendencies. But he is not just a ‘good man’; rather he has real being (a functioning kesdjan body) that gives him true freedom, real self-determination, and typically non-ordinary capabilities.
Will development means that he has his own unique, integrated ‘I’ which is able to act with true freedom and creativity in the world. Through this he is connected to objective knowledge and real understanding. He understands his ‘destiny’ and what he must ‘DO’.
Quid Pro Quo – There is a clear understanding that access to 4th Way resources for accelerated transformation, personal development, group work, teachers, energies, and will are only made available to individuals who are prepared to participate in accomplishing a task. This arrangement is quite different from religions, monasteries, universities; or individual study of meditation techniques, yoga, tantra, self-help courses, etc.
Accelerated Transformation / Many Worlds – The techniques, methods and general level of understanding in the 4th Way are ‘ahead’ of the average level of development of humanity. This means that 4th Way practitioners must learn to quite literally live in several different worlds at once, while most of humanity remains tied to the physical world.
Understanding – The 4th Way is predicated on the development of understanding. Periods of obedience to and dependence on a teacher, following rules, intellectual study, submitting to a group or organization and so on may last for many years, but the creation of a truly free being, able to act from understanding is the ultimate aim of the 4th Way for individuals. This means that an individual takes on a task from an internal understanding and response to a need, not from an externally imposed obligation.
Groups – Groups are integral to the 4th Way both because they are needed for self-study and because 4th Way tasks generally require the creativity, energy, skill and longevity of a group.
The Current Task – Preparing for a disruptive transition in human history.