A.H. Almaas

Ep. 43 (Part 1 of 2) | A.H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), renowned author and co-creator of the Diamond Approach, a complete spiritual path that flows out of his direct personal experience and realization, informed by the great wisdom traditions and practices, describes here his own process of inquiry and some of what he has come to discover in his lifelong pursuit to understand the nature of reality and know the truth. Hameed tells us answers come in the form of experiences rather than words and that there is no end to what we can realize about our true nature and reality itself. He talks about experiencing the authentic presence of being; the dynamics of realization; the paradox of practice; the importance of curiosity; and the joy of discovery. What makes time possible and what makes timelessness possible? What happens when we die? Throughout the conversation, Hameed transmits a quiet exuberance, humor, profound wisdom, and deep peace. This is a remarkable, inspiring, sometimes astonishing dialogue that will illuminate and exhilarate your understanding of the nature of reality and our potential as human beings. Recorded August 10, 2022.“Reality really has much more up its sleeve than any human being can imagine.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps - Part 1Roger introduces Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) and the Diamond Approach (01:09)The practice of direct inquiry into the fundamental nature of reality: the answers come in experiences rather than words (05:10)Trusting reality to take us to what is good for us; reality is self revealing (08:14)The “paradox of practice”: recognizing our inherent helplessness and hopelessness (10:19) Hameed’s initial opening: recognizing the authentic presence of being (13:06)Each awakening has a particular view: nonduality and beyond (15:09)Holding on to a view becomes a delusion, regardless of the realization (18:51)The “view of totality”: a metaperspective allowing for endless realizations and openings and appreciation of the boundless creativity of the universe (21:37)Many teachings are working towards liberation and freedom from suffering, but Hameed “wanted to understand reality and to know the truth” (25:22)Enlightenment itself evolves, it keeps moving (28:33)The dichotomy between spiritual and material is a construct (35:10)Discovery is part of life, part of realization (37:18)The completion of realization is going out in the world, learning how to live it (39:04)Resources & References - Part 1Hameed Ali (A.H. Almaas), creator of The Ridhwan School and The Diamond ApproachA. H. Almaas, Runaway Realization: Living a Life of Ceaseless Discovery*A. H. Almaas,The Alchemy of Freedom: The Philosophers’ Stone and the Secrets of Existence*A. H. Almaas, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type*A. H. Almaas, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart*A. H. Almaas, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence*A. H. Almaas books page on Amazon*Diamond Approach YouTube videos with A. H. AlmaasKen Wilber, philosopher, author, creator of Integral Theory, The Integral Vision*Sri Aurobindo, Indian philosopher, poet, yoga guruDzogchen, a tradition of teachings in Tibetan BuddhismVedanta, one of six schools of Hindu philosophyHuayan Buddhism, a school of Buddhism that includes the Round Teaching, an understanding of the other-dependent nature of ultimate reality, a unilocal viewDogen, founder of the Sōtō School of Zen* As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases.---A. Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach.---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

Ep. 44 (Part 2 of 2) | A.H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), renowned author and co-creator of the Diamond Approach, a complete spiritual path that flows out of his direct personal experience and realization, informed by the great wisdom traditions and practices, describes here his own process of inquiry and some of what he has come to discover in his lifelong pursuit to understand the nature of reality and know the truth. Hameed tells us answers come in the form of experiences rather than words and that there is no end to what we can realize about our true nature and reality itself. He talks about experiencing the authentic presence of being; the dynamics of realization; the paradox of practice; the importance of curiosity; and the joy of discovery. What makes time possible and what makes timelessness possible? What happens when we die? Throughout the conversation, Hameed transmits a quiet exuberance, humor, profound wisdom, and deep peace. This is a remarkable, inspiring, sometimes astonishing dialogue that will illuminate and exhilarate your understanding of the nature of reality and our potential as human beings. Recorded August 10, 2022.“Reality really has much more up its sleeve than any human being can imagine.”(For Apple Podcast users, click here to view the complete show notes on the episode page.)Topics & Time Stamps - Part 2On death: each of us has a particular consciousness that is undying; death is not the end, but how we live our life will influence how we die and afterwards (00:53)Is an initial activation—a “close encounter of the third kind with true nature”—a requirement to enter the Ridhwan School? (07:49)What is “runaway realization''? There’s no end to what you can realize about reality or yourself (09:18)The importance of true curiosity (12:30)The experience of pure, absolute time: what makes time possible and timelessness possible? An example of Hameed’s own inquiry process (13:29) Spiritual discourse and non-standard realization (15:57)Becoming alive to the zen of ordinariness (20:02)Hameed’s practice: continual inquiry and meditation (22:31)Most of Hameed’s awakenings don’t happen in meditation (24:47)The dynamic of realization: practice opens us to grace (25:56)Opening to transmission (31:59)A new kind of presence: non-standard presence is very important to opening to runaway realization (33:12)In the depths of nondual realization something arises (36:51)Resources & References - Part 2The Ten Ox Herding Pictures from the Zen tradition Vajra Body, symbol of highest spiritual powerHameed Ali, creator of The Ridhwan School and The Diamond PathA. H. Almaas, Runaway Realization: Living a Life of Ceaseless Discovery*A. H. Almaas,The Alchemy of Freedom: The Philosophers’ Stone and the Secrets of Existence*A. H. Almaas, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type*A. H. Almaas, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart*A. H. Almaas, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence*A. H. Almaas books page on Amazon*Diamond Approach YouTube videos with A. H. Almaas* As an Amazon Associate, Deep Transformation earns from qualifying purchases.---A. Hameed Ali (A. H. Almaas) was born in Kuwait in 1944. At the age of eighteen, he moved to the U.S. to study at the University of California in Berkeley. Hameed was working on his Ph.D. in physics when he reached a turning point in his life and destiny that led him to inquire into the psychological and spiritual aspects of human nature rather than the physical nature of the universe. He left the academic world to pursue an in-depth journey of inner discovery, applying his scientific precision and discipline to personal, experiential research. This included study with different teachers in different modalities, extensive reading, and continuous study of his own consciousness in an effort to understand the essential nature of human experience and reality in general. Hameed’s process of exploration led to the creation of the Ridhwan School and, with his colleague Karen Johnson, resulted in the founding and unfoldment of the Diamond Approach.---Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell

Join Cynthia Bourgeault and A.H. Almaas in a captivating dialogue on the alchemy of love, delving into divine and personal love as catalysts for spiritual transformation. Explore Nonduo Love, the transformative power of love in creation, and the healing impact of love on emotional wounds and trust. Discover the boundless nature of love and its role in self-discovery, relationships, and global transformation.

A. H. Almaas, a PhD in Nuclear Physics and the mastermind behind the Diamond Approach, shares his insights on spirituality and self-discovery. He contrasts Eastern and Western philosophies, exploring how consciousness intertwines with psychology. Almaas challenges conventional spiritual advice from gurus, emphasizing the importance of compassion and humility. He discusses the differences between awakening and realization, the role of psychedelics in spiritual growth, and the value of open-mindedness in spiritual inquiries, reminding listeners that not everyone needs to seek enlightenment.

A.H. Almaas, founder of the Diamond Approach to Self-Realization and author of many spiritual books, delves into the essence of personal growth. He discusses the distinction between our true nature and personality, highlighting how emotional inquiry can lead to healing. Almaas emphasizes the balance of curiosity, courage, and kindness in embracing our experiences. He also explores the importance of recognizing essential qualities in ourselves and others, encouraging a deeper connection with our emotions for a fulfilling life.