Tracing the Threads of Realization: The Jeweled Path Book Talk at Berkeley

In this heartfelt book talk from the Ridhwan Center in Berkeley, Diamond Approach Co-Founder Karen Johnson shares the intimate story behind The Jeweled Path: The Biography of the Diamond Approach to Inner Realization. Speaking with candor, depth, and humor, Karen reflects on her spiritual journey and her creative partnership with A. H. Almaas, revealing how their shared discovery of the Diamond Approach teaching unfolded. The talk offers a rare window into the living roots of a modern day spiritual path – from its earliest seeds to its present-day impact – and invites listeners into a transformative encounter with truth, purpose, and personal awakening. Sroll down to view the video and a summary of highlights from the talk.

Summary  

In The Jeweled Path: The Biography of the Diamond Approach to Inner Realization, Karen Johnson offers a deeply personal and spiritually illuminating account of how the Diamond Approach emerged through her decades-long collaboration with A. H. Almaas. In a public talk held at the Ridhwan Center in Berkeley, CA, Johnson opens up about the process of writing the book and the transformative journey it represents—not just for her, but for anyone engaging sincerely with a spiritual path. 

The talk weaves together themes of transformation, authenticity, and the unfolding of one’s true self. Johnson reflects on her initial intention to chronicle events, only to find the writing process take on its own organic rhythm. Thoughts, memories, sensations, and emotions began to shape the story from within, echoing the core principle of the Diamond Approach: to remain present to what arises and allow it to reveal deeper truth. 

She describes how meeting Hameed Ali was a pivotal moment that awakened a sense of purpose in her life. As their friendship and work developed, Johnson discovered not only a method of inquiry but a way of being that invited her to drop cherished beliefs and be radically open to the unknown. This openness, she says, is the ground from which true realization can emerge. 

One of the central teachings Karen emphasizes is the value of simply being with what arises – whether it's joy, discomfort, or uncertainty –  with curiosity and compassion. Through this stance, emotions and reactions are no longer obstacles but gateways to understanding. Her story models what it means to navigate life “in the world but not of it,” bringing mature spiritual insight into the reality of human experience. 

Johnson also speaks to the importance of honoring individuality. In her words, each person has a unique way of experiencing and expressing reality—and that uniqueness is not only valid, but essential to the unfolding of realization. Her book, she notes, is significant not only for its content but because it is written by someone walking the path, rather than a disciple writing retrospectively. This immediacy brings a sense of aliveness and honesty to the spiritual biography. 

From tender moments of vulnerability to humorous reflections on teaching and daily life, Karen Johnson’s talk invites listeners to recognize their own inner spark of truth—and to follow it with courage, discernment, and love. The Jeweled Path is more than a chronicle; it is a mirror, offering insights for anyone engaged with an inner journey, walking a path of transformation and realization.