A. R. Orage, Madame Ouspensky,
Thomas de Hartmann, Olga de Hartmann, Dr. Leonid Stjoernval,
P. D. Ouspensky, Madame de Salzmann
AreteTelos, formed in April 2025, is a branch in the authentic lineage of transmission of The Fourth Way—the sacred teaching of self-development brought by G. I. Gurdjieff.
Our name is comprised of two ancient Greek words, Arete, meaning inner excellence, and Telos, ultimate aim. The aim of AreteTelos is to assist the process of those wishing to reach inner excellence in the sense of Being, by transmitting and disseminating Gurdjieff’s Teaching. It is through the practical application of the ideas and methods that Gurdjieff brought, that one can realize the sense and significance of life and its sacred purpose—both individually and collectively. Gurdjieff’s teaching shows men and women how to actualize self-awareness, self-development and self-liberation in oneself. In continuing in this ancient Tradition, AreteTelos carries forth and expresses its new iteration working to meet the needs of human beings in the Modern Age.
Director Background
After beginning her career in Agricultural Science & Management, Teresa Adams has dedicated the past 33 years to the study and application of The Fourth Way teaching. Her teacher and mentor, William Patrick Patterson, was a leading exponent of Gurdjieff’s sacred teaching. Under his guidance she learned to apply the principles and ideas of the teaching in practical daily life, and later began assisting in leading Groups, seminars, Immersions, online studies, and exploring work with the body and Gurdjieff Movements. It is her wish to serve in the transmission of the sacred principles and ideas of the teaching in order that beings who wish it for themselves may benefit, grow and realize their full human potentiality.
Our Mission
It is the mission of AreteTelos to offer a way that shows how to awaken from our mechanical lives to begin to live more consciously and with intention by making accessible educational, experiential, and spiritual self-transformation programs founded on Gurdjieff’s teaching of The Fourth Way.