Ep. 218 (Part 2 of 2) | In Part 2 of the 17th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali explores the great freedom we experience when we allow being itself to unfold through us—when we let reality take its course without our egoic selves getting in the way. When we are out of the way, Hameed explains, all the virtues come through us: responsibility, ethics, morality, compassion, caring, sensitivity, and more. These ideals are not human-made, he says, they are expressions of our true nature. In fact, Hameed adds, this is what a true human is; expressing the absolute is the fulfillment of life.

Just knowing the absolute does not eliminate all obstacles, Hameed continues. Even as we go very deep, there are “ego islands” that pose ongoing difficulties. But the practice is to be with our experience and let it inform us—allow our life experiences to become the arena for the expression of spirit. All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us, Hameed says. And laughs telling a story about the “do nothing” instructions of lamas and Zen teachers, as they attempt to show their students that there is nothing to be done but get out of the way. All manifestation, our lives, even our problems and challenges and getting lost in the illusion is all a play of the absolute, Roger reflects. Another very rich, deeply nourishing conversation with A. H. Almaas. Recorded November 13, 2025.

“If we become mature enough to cease and desist, to let reality take its course… when we’re out of the way, true nature will come through—that’s what a true human is.”

Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2

Is there such a thing as a false descent? (00:33)
Most of the time, a realization of the absolute is incomplete—there are still some issues that haven’t been worked out (01:43)
Hameed’s teachings expanded as his experience expanded (04:22)
Even a spiritual teacher with an incomplete realization can be helpful; what causes trouble is when teachers don’t acknowledge their knowing is limited (07:26)
All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us (12:25)
The practice is to be with our experience; the ego gets in the way by trying to take over (15:00)
The great freedom of allowing reality to take its course: the do nothing meditation (18:02)
Our life is fulfilled when we’re acting at the behest of the absolute (23:10)
Even as we know the absolute, there is always more to be free from (24:17)
The central issue of descent is letting go of all identification—of our ego, even of the absolute (28:41)
Reality is such an interesting thing—even ignorance is an interesting thing (31:57)
True nature is indestructible, incorruptible—at bottom it is perfect (34:26)
Don’t get discouraged reading this chapter, if you just learn a few things, that’s all that matters (37:02)

Resources & References – Part 2

A. H. Almaas (Hameed Ali), founder of The Ridhwan School , home of The Diamond Approach
A. H. Almaas, The Inner Journey Home: Soul’s Realization of the Unity of Reality
Chogyal Namkhai Norbu & Adriano Clemente, The Supreme Source: The Fundamental Tantra of Dzogchen Semde, initial Dzogchen book that says any spiritual practice will only delay enlightenment
Seng-t’san, the Third Chinese Patriarch, The Hsin Hsin Ming, Verses on the Faith-Mind
A. H. Almaas, Runaway Realization: Living a Life of Ceaseless Discovery
Dzogchen
Lectio Divina

The A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series will generally follow the sequence of Hameed’s magnum opus, The Inner Journey Home (which John describes as psychoactive and spiritually, psychologically, and intellectually transformative), so listeners may want to get a copy of this book, to study and follow along on this exhilarating path of awakening.

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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. He is the author of 20 books, including Nondual Love: Awakening to the Loving Nature of Reality, Love Unveiled: Discovering the Essence of the Awakened Heart, Keys to the Enneagram: How to Unlock the Highest Potential of Every Personality Type, The Unfolding Now: Realizing Your True Nature through the Practice of Presence, and more.

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Podcast produced by Vanessa Santos and Show Notes by Heidi Mitchell