This research is devoted to the mysterious personality of G.I. Gurdjieff, recognized as the “teacher of life” of the 20th century. It is difficult not to notice his powerful figure against the backdrop of European and American spiritual life. The influence of his truly paradoxical and unexpected ideas continues to this day, and the debate about which spiritual direction he belonged to is not only theoretical: many theological schools would like to count him among their teachers. Louis Pauvel, who attended classes in one of the “groups” Gurdjieff, in her fascinating study, richly documented by various sources, attempts to reveal the secret of our famous compatriot, his influence on spiritual life, politics and ideology.