Intelligence is one of the defining characteristics of human beings: an inherent ability to respond to the world with awareness, knowledge, learning, and insight. Most considerations of human intelligence are based on the notion that intelligence is a product of brain functioning. A. H. Almaas introduces here a radically different viewpoint, one that recognizes an actual quality of consciousness as the source of intelligence. He calls this source the Brilliancy of our true nature.

The presentation of his understanding of intelligence is followed by in-depth dialogues with his students on the various barriers to recognizing and embodying this essential quality. In particular, an unresolved relationship with one's father is found to shape the experience of Brilliancy. Using a Socratic method that draws upon techniques of body-centered, Gestalt, psychodynamic, and cognitive psychologies, Almaas helps participants work through their defenses and conflicts surrounding this issue and then, diverging from pychotherapeutic practice, guides them in discovering their own Brilliancy.

What is intelligence? When we recognize that someone is intelligent, what does that mean? Does it mean that her mind is bright and transparent? Does it mean that she can think clearly? Does it mean that she makes good decisions? Does it mean that her perceptions are precise and accurate? Does it mean that she functions efficiently? Does it mean that she has a high IQ? Each of these characteristics is a manifestation of intelligence, or a functioning that reflects intelligence. But what is intelligence itself? As we continue we will see that intelligence is in fact a specific quality of essential experience. It is not a by-product of the brain’s functioning but a manifestation of Being itself.  _  A. H. Almaas, Brilliancy

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"In this potent and luminous work, the master teacher A. H. Almaas brings clarity concerning the spiritual ground of Intelligence, which evokes and quickens the reader into a remembrance of her true nature. The presence of the teacher is evident in actual facilitation with his students as well as in words that themselves are transparent to transcendence. "

—Jean Houston, author of Jump Time

"A. H. Almaas is one of the foremost spiritual teachers of our time. His methodology for realizing true nature is precise, teachable, and remarkably clear. "

—Joan Borysenko, author of Minding the Body, Mending the Mind

Chapters

1. Brilliancy and Intelligence (Read Now)
2. Synthesis
3. Presence and Time
4. Completeness
5. Brilliant inquiry
6. Meeting One
7. Meeting Two
8. Meeting Three
9. Meeting Four
10. Meeting Five
11. Meeting Six
12. Meeting Seven
13. Meeting Eight