This book by P.D. Ouspensky is an invaluable source for studying and understanding the mystical and developmental ideas of G.I. Gurdjieff. Originally and probably better titled "Fragments of an Unknown Teaching" this book was Ouspensky's account of meeting Gurdjieff and becoming part of a group he began teaching in Tsarist Russia, the dissemination and development of his ideas, and their eventual escape from their war torn Bolshevik home.

Gurdjieff emphasized working with the sensation of the body when trying to be present to the mind and emotions. This is known as Remembering Yourself. In addition, one is to practice self observation, without analysis, while trying to cultivate an impartial view of oneself, and working with the body is an important practice to actualize this.

The system that Gurdjieff brought to the west revolves around the development of consciousness through aligning the mind, body and emotion. He explains that most spiritual paths typically only focus on one of these aspects, but the teaching he refers to as "The Fourth Way" focuses on all three simultaneously.