The Point of Existence: Transformations of Narcissism in Self-Realization

by A.H. Almaas

In this book, the author explores the underlying spiritual understanding of narcissism. He presents a detailed map of the steps involved in working through barriers that prevent us from recognizing the most essential nature of our true identity.

Genres: Psychology, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

632 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

A.H. Almaas is the pen name of A. Hameed Ali, the creator of the Diamond Approach to Self Realization. The Diamond Approach is a contemporary teaching that developed within the context of awareness of both ancient spiritual teachings & modern depth psychological theories.

Reviews

[Briana]

It is not a book you ever really finish. For me, I pick it up from time to time, and sometimes I really like it and at other times I hate it. Mainly because I can't understand it.

[Kellerrenate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very important book for anyone who wants to understand in depth how narcissism functions in the spiritual context, and in the multi-dimensional structures that need to be faced if you are interested in going beyond it.

[Karin Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for understanding narcissism and working through it. My book study group read it a chapter a week and did inquiry around it which was an ideal way to read this book as it is so dense and slow going, but so worth the effort.

[Ruan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful detailed analysis of the dynamics behind everyday narcissism and the phases and challenges of moving beyond that. Draws on and compares many leading psychotherapy approaches and goes beyond them using insights from spiritual traditions.

[Miranda Acland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about narcissism in its broadest sense, and covers a huge amount of interesting material. Some of Hameed’s books are harder than others and this is a hard one. I certainly didn’t understand it all!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

The treatment on the essence of being is written very well and Almaas offer a compelling and accessible vision. My own dislike of object relations theory taints the books, since that is the lens he uses to discuss his theory in psychological terms. To my mind, this unsupported and psychobabble theory seriously undermines this otherwise good read.

[Rainier · Rating 4 out of 5]

My path fits me like a glove. <3