a.h. almaas

[nanyar]

I am surprised there is no mention of A.H. Almaas on this forum. Anyone familiar with his work? There is not much, if any, discussion of him on any internet sites. Usually comments focus on the fact that spiritual teaching should be given freely and to follow his teachings is costly. His is definitely a gradual approach rather than direct or sudden and he doesn't posit any final, end states. I am curious how his writings have impacted others. How do his teachings differ from some of the other advaita/ zen approaches that are more popular here? How are they similar? I am desperate to know, because he affects me deeply and being knee deep into his latest book is having quite an impact on me. More in a depressing, aching, longing, sort of a way, then anything enligtening. I can't shake this emptiness its bringing up. I would really like to hear how he impacts others. He makes the journey sound so difficult and the egos self-deceptions so subtle, instead of catering to our 'theres nothing to do' so just sit back and be deluded. But its hard to want to move forward and face the veils when you feel so deficient and handicapped spiritually.
And having moved forward-- seen your limitations and comfort and security zones challenged-- and then retreated a few times in fear- Its hard to get back on that horse. anyone know what im talking about? thanks

[tomas]

Hello nanyar, I have been a student of Hameed's (A H Almass is his penname), in Diamond Heart 8, in Berkeley, CA, for 2 years. I have read all his books, except for his Enneagram book. Being a student in Diamond Heart (the Ridwan Foundation), includes attending 2 day retreats every other month, being in a monthly small group, and seeing a private teacher once or twice a month. The main practice is Inquiry, where you inquire into what is happening to/with/inside you. DH brings psychology together with spirituality: with a focus on your everyday psychological state, as well as teaching links to the soul, essence, emptiness... and all the spiritual systems, particularly Sufism and Buddhism.

As to how DH has impacted me, it is in the area of relationship and intimacy... which is why I entered the program. Hameed teaches that our stuff goes way back to our earliest years, age 0-5, when our personality if formed, as a defense against our caregivers. Exploring this area with my private teacher, I've come to see and understand my relationship history, experiences, and tendencies.

It costs about $3,000/yr, with all the retreats & pvt teacher. There are DH groups all over the world, and annual Quasar Retreats open to all. It's a path, one of many, yet unique. You are right, it's not the sudden or quick, I think Hameed would say that the sudden or quick way may not impact your deeper nature, but be more of a flash in the pan.