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book cover

THE DIAMOND APPROACH:
AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE TEACHINGS OF A. H. ALMAAS

by John Davis
with selections from the writing of
A. H. Almaas

Shambhala Publications

Copyright (r) 1999 by John V. Davis and Shambhala Publications
Diamond Approach (r) is a registered servicemark of the Ridhwan Foundation

Auf Deutsch
John Davis, Liebe zur Wahrheit: Der Diamond Approach von A. H. Almaas
ISBN 3-933496-65-9
J.Kamphausen
224 Seiten, Qualitätsbroschur
Euro 17,50 / sFr. 31,10

In het Nederlands
John Davis, De diamantbenadering : een introductie tot het werk van A.H. Almaas
ISBN 90-6963-490-2
Altamira-Becht , Haarlem

En español
John Davis, El Enfoque Diamante. Introduccion a las Enseñanzas de A.H. Almaas.
ISBN 84-8445-015-5
Gaia Ediciones, Madrid, Espana

 

 

The Diamond Approach has been developed and taught since the early 1970's by Hameed Ali (known chiefly by his pen name, A. H. Almaas), who is widely recognized as leader in the integration of spirituality and psychology. It is a rich and original spiritual understanding and path, expressing perspectives on self-realization using the insights of our time. The essential nonduality of modern psychological understanding and ancient spiritual wisdom is articulated, providing deeper and more effective means of realizing, developing, and living our full potential as human beings.

At each stage of the spiritual journey, we encounter beliefs, identifications, and resistances which can inhibit our development. The Diamond Approach invites us to see these as both veils and keys to our full human potential. Almaas's work provides ways of dealing with the issues which arise throughout the spiritual journey, giving sincere seekers means of understanding and working with these obstacles. At the same time, he shows how psychological exploration, if pursued deeply enough, leads to spiritual dimensions. The psychological and the spiritual are revealed as part of the same awakening to our true nature. The precision of the Diamond Approach in describing the dimensions and qualities of human nature, the obstacles on the path of realization and maturation, and the relationship between the veils and qualities of being gives it an extraordinary power and effectiveness.

This is the first book to introduce a broad spectrum of Almaas's teachings, doing so in a way that is readable and accessible.

READ THE INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK

READ A SELECTION FROM CHAPTER ONE

READ THE EPILOGUE TO THE BOOK

 

John Davis is a senior student of A. H. Almaas and teacher of the Diamond Approach. He is also a professor at Naropa University. An ordained teacher/minister of the Ridhwan School since 1983, he teaches the Diamond Approach in Colorado, Vancouver, and Seattle, and to international retreat groups. His work also includes teaching and writing about transpersonal psychology and ecopsychology and leading wilderness rites of passage retreats. John lives with his family near Boulder, Colorado. More information on the author.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword by Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas)
Preface
Introduction
  1. The Orientation of the Diamond Approach
  2. The Method of Inquiry
  3. The Soul
  4. Space
  5. Essence
  6. The Theory of Holes: Abandoning and Recovering Essence
  7. The Personal Essence: The Pearl Beyond Price
  8. Self-Realization and True Identity: The Point
  9. True Nature and the Boundless Dimensions
Epilogue: The Flame of the Search, Guidance, and the Love of Truth

Bibliography
Acknowledgments
Index
 

Comments on THE DIAMOND APPROACH

The author of the present book, Dr. John Davis, is one of the first students who joined this work at its inception. As one of my first committed students, he has witnessed its development and has personally undergone the path of transformation of the Diamond Approach. He writes not only from what he has heard from me but primarily from his own personal experience and understanding of this new path of wisdom. The fact that he is also a psychologist who teaches transpersonal psychology at the college and graduate levels preeminently qualifies him to give a coherent and accessible overview of the Diamond Approach. He has a great deal of experience in teaching and working with students in the Diamond Approach, and it is clear that he puts it to good use in the present book. The result is a very clear, detailed, but simple overview of the Diamond Approach, written by one who knows the subject matter both intellectually and experientially. Dr. Davis has rendered a great service here, both to the Diamond Appraoch and to the many readers who want a fresh look at the human potential and its spiritual dimensions.

Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas),
From the Foreword

This is the first book to bring the main ideas of the Diamond Approach together in one place. That makes it an invaluable resource for every serious student of consciousness and psychology. The surprise is that this resource is delectable, a juicy morsel that engages the mind and the heart of the reader.

Sherry Ruth Anderson,
author of THE FEMININE FACE OF GOD
and (with Paul Ray) CULTURAL CREATIVES

The work of A. H. Almaas places him among the greatest psychologists alive today. His brilliant vision of the human psyche embraces our Being from early development to the highest realms of spirit. From this he then offers a new language and direct approach for awakening to this manifold nature.

[Almaas is] One of the most significant voices for a new and remarkably integrated spiritual vision. I respect his work to the highest degree and commend it to anyone interested in living the life of the spirit.

Jack Kornfield,
author of PATH WITH HEART,
AFTER THE ECSTASY, THE LAUNDRY,
and other books

In my opinion, the Diamond Approach is a superb combination of some of the best of modern Western psychology with ancient (and spiritual) wisdom. ... I myself can recommend the Diamond Approach as probably the most balanced of the widely available spiritual psychologies/therapies. ... [Almaas's book] The Pearl Beyond Price is one of the truly great and pioneering books of the East West dialogue.

Ken Wilber,
author of A BRIEF HISTORY OF EVERYTHING,
INTEGRAL PSYCHOLOGY, THE EYE OF SPIRIT,
GRACE AND GRIT, and other books

We can think of no more significant voice in the transpersonal field than A. H. Almaas. His work is a seamless integration of cutting edge psychology and profound spirituality that addresses the concerns and hopes of contemporary people.

Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson,
authors of PERSONALITY TYPES

 
 

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