Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence

A.H. Almaas
Shambala (2006)
ISBN 1590303350
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/06)

“Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence” is one of a series of books written about the Diamond Approach.  This spiritual-based teaching focuses on its own direct understanding and view of reality.  It is believed that most of our human potential exists outside of our consciousness.  The Diamond Approach prepares the soul to “experience, perceive, and appreciate” this intelligence.  It teaches us to be open and vulnerable to our own true nature.

The Diamond Approach has a strong message: “When we learn how to invite our own true nature to reveal itself, it will guide us toward realizing our spiritual growth, and at the same time, actualize our potential in all walks of life.”  Brilliancy is the source of intelligence that gives us a brilliant presence in our consciousness. Brilliancy is the same as intelligence.  Brilliancy feels like true bliss. 

The Diamond Approach can be taught to one student by a teacher, or to a group of students, by several teachers.  The teacher guides the student through self-exploration.  In addition to explaining what Brilliancy is and its importance, Almaas also teaches us about the method used and how it works.  A large part of “Brilliancy” is written in dialogue form taken from trainings in Colorado.  This is where we see how the processing works and, through the eight trainings involved, we can see the evolution of the process.  The people in this program learn about their relationships to others.  A big part of it focuses on our relationships with our fathers.  Unresolved issues need to be dealt with and resolved.  The Diamond Approach works with this.

“Brilliancy” is fascinating.  The idea that our intelligence comes from a source outside of us and not just from our brains is very interesting.  It also makes a lot of sense to me.  It points to how we are all one.  When I was reading this, I felt like I was connecting with something huge.  The desire to achieve this level of personal growth and to reach out and be a part of something like this is huge. I loved reading the dialogues about what people are experiencing as they go through this beautiful program.  “Brilliancy: The Essence of Intelligence” is a must read for people who truly want positive change in their lives and that are willing to work for it. 

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