Product Description

Essence has been combined with The Elixir of Enlightenment, a short introductory text directed toward students on the path who are frustrated by either the spiritual or psychological barriers that Western life can present. Discusses the values and shortcomings of spiritual training, and explores why an impasse may occur. Reveals how a precise understanding of your own personality can free your inner resources so that your essential being can lead you toward enlightenment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #170485 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-01
• Released on: 1998-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Customer Reviews

Substantial Advance and More
I thought that this book was a substantial advance on the understanding of the ideas of Gurdjieff. Yet it goes beyond this by introducing new ideas that I believe would have been very acceptable to the original fourth way schools of thought.

Whatever the message, it's lost in too many words
"four book Diamond Heart series, and the three Diamond Mind series also by this obviously enlightened author".. Unfortunately, being enlightened doesn't insure that one is a good writer, nor that he is able to teach enlightenment. This writing is the most tedious, repetitious that I've read. It (7 books) could easily be condensed down to a single chapter or an article. Some good insights, but nothing worth plowing through all the words. At times it seems words are just flowing, just to fill pages and he ultimately forgets what his point was going to be and never arrives. The author should respect the reader's time a bit more, the point is not to fill enough pages to make a book. But ultimately I don't see what the other reviewers saw in these books, more worthwhile to read the clear and concise Huang-Po or Foyan or Krishnamurti or Nisargadatta etc. for more to the point direction.
"Almaas has answers unique".. for the mystic, there is only One answer, it's the method that a teacher must provide.

Remarkabe introduction!
If you are seriously interested in a supremely structured avenue to realizing the truths to our existence, this is the place to start. I've read the four book Diamond Heart series, and the three Diamond Mind series also by this obviously enlightened author. Any doubts I had after reading the "Snorsville" review were squelched soon after understanding the experiencial and profound approach offered by this teaching method. Almaas is and should be revered by his spiritual peers as a true groundbreaker in this realm. There is no blind faith here. You only need to comprehend what's written so articulatly, and if you like myself are seeking truth about who and what we are, Almaas has answers I've seen no where else in my many years of seeking through books and teachings. If you make it through all of the "Mind" series you're understanding of the "work" will be profoundly enhanced to the point where you will be convinced that his approach is unmatched in it's teaching and truth.

Update... Since I've written this review many months ago I have read all thirteen books on The Diamond Approach and my learned opinion still stands but ever stronger. I may not be a "former Monk", but through my sincere and intense study of this emense body of work over the past four years, and the integration of this profound teaching into my spiritual practice/life, what's been proven to me beyond any shadow of a doubt, along with countless other students of "The Diamond Approach", including Jack Kornfield, is that this should not be regarded as a waste of time. Although many themes are repeated throughout his teachings, I think we all need to be reminded over and over again of the deepest truths as we so often have the tendency to gravitate back to our condtioned patterns in our hectic lifestyles.

Do not take my word for it, or anyone elses (with the exception of Almaas). Do your own homework and you will find the truth in these books and most importantly, within yourself as I have.