A. H. Almaas

A. H. Almaas is the pen name of A. Hameed Ali, an author who writes about a mystical approach informed by modern psychology and therapy, which he calls the Diamond Approach. Almaas is originally from Kuwait. He is the spiritual head of the Ridhwan School. Depending on one's perspective, he might be termed, among other things, an Integral Theorist or an exponent of the perennial philosophy.

Almaas' books were for years published through the Ridhwan School under the publishing title Diamond Books, but are currently published by Shambhala.

The Diamond Approach
The Diamond Approach is a teaching developed by A. H. Almaas that shows an integration of a variety of mystical teachings, including Sufism and modern depth psychology. It is described as a synthesis of the spiritual and psychological, using psychological methods and insights to gain understanding of the personality and the ego, with the aim of spiritual unfoldment and integration. For example, the method of inquiry is used to explore aspects of the self. Object relations theory is used to examine the development of the personality and the ego. The Diamond Approach also utilizes the Enneagram, the concept of the lataif (subtle capacities or organs of perception in the sufi tradition), and various forms of meditation.

Diamond Approach work typically involves a combination of group work, one-on-one sessions with teachers of the Ridhwan School, and private Work.

The Ridhwan School
Headed by Almaas and based in Berkeley, California and Boulder, Colorado, the Ridhwan School is dedicated to the teaching of the Diamond Approach. The Diamond Heart and Training Institute (DHAT) is the organization responsible for making Diamond Approach teachings available to the public.