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WHAT’S ENNEAGRAM?

The Enneagram is based on the principle that we have three centers.

The intellectual center (head), the feeling center (heart), and the instinctual center (belly). These three centers correspond to three types of intelligence; the intellect, providing us with the capacity to think and understand. The feeling intelligence that allows us to feel and perceive things that are not logical, like beauty, love and meaning. The instinctual intelligence that is connected to our body and its immense wisdom, supported by instincts. These, the instincts, are the raw material for our inner development as well as our support in life.

To Know - To Understand - To BeThe teachings connected to the Enneagram tell us that each type looks at reality in a fixed way, responding to life predicatively and mechanically. So a person may always perceive others as threatening and therefore live life in a defensive, protected way, expecting that everyone will always be mean towards them. When we live in a fixed manner our centers function in an unbalanced way, for example, we may focus on trying to perceive (feeling center) other peoples intentions so that we can protect ourselves from aggression but in doing so, we don’t access the intelligence of the other centers that would help us see and interact with reality and people in a more balanced and realistic way. Again, referring to the case above, the intellectual center could be telling us that not all people are the same and out to get us and then our instinctual center would make us feel strong enough to face life with confidence. If we then we meet an aggressive person we are not afraid because we are supported by our own strength, coming from the instinctual center. This would be a balanced and more realistic way to live life instead of always creating the same reality and live in fear. So, if we can manage to undo the fixation we can live and perceive life in a more real way.

These are only brief and therefore incomplete, descriptions but they give you an idea of the different types. The different types have negative and positive qualities but the most important point is that because of our fixation, we are always facing life in the same predictable way. We react to life mechanically, as if driven by a form of software. Some of us are ruled by anger, some by fear, some are obsessed by appearances, some by love and so on. We have fixed patterns of behavior but we think that we are free and spontaneous.

The tendency of each type is to become more negative in times of crisis and more positive and pleasant in times of ease. But even when we feel good we are still living life from our ego and disconnected from our deeper Reality therefore we are still orbiting in our external self. In the Sufi tradition, the Enneagram fixation has to be broken so that we can get in touch with our deeper reality, they call this the ‘ego death’. In the Diamond Logos Teachings, we deal with the ego in a more compassionate way, and we integrate it into the process of inner transformation.

The Enneagram type (ego) is only a fixed way to look at life that has its origins in our childhood. By understanding it and connecting to our deeper reality, our True Self, we can liberate it from its nightmare and sense of isolation. Discovering our fixation can be the beginning of a path of healing and self- knowledge. It will allow us to connect to the deeper aspects of our Being like essential strength, support and love. Once in touch with these qualities our ego will then learn to trust and rely in our deeper reality, our True Self.

The study of the enneagram is very supporting of our inner development.

It helps us become more aware of our personality and why we act in a particular way in specific circumstances. It also helps us in our relationships by understanding others.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF OUR JOURNEY?

The Diamond Logos Teaching (DLT) guides the journey of the spirit from the labyrinth of the personality structure towards the Essential Self. It is a journey of discovery and exploration without a predetermined destination

WHAT IS ESSENCE?

Essence is the manifestation of our True Self into different palpable qualities such as Presence, Strength, Joy, Compassion and Peace. It is independent of conditioning and completely natural to us, not a product of the environment. Before the development of the personality a small child is still in his Essence; he is essence.

HOW DO WE EXPERIENCE ESSENCE?

Essence can be felt, seen, tasted, smelled and even understood. However, its most definitive aspect is a sense of existence. When we experience our Essence, we are one with what we perceive. Our body does not only feel light, it is light; we do not only feel happy, we are happiness; and we are not only curious, we are curiosity.

WHAT ARE THE LATAIF?

The Lataif are qualities, forms of consciousness, or centers that are the first subtle or fine manifestations of Essence. The word Lataif (singular: Latifa) comes from Arabic and is defined as subtle energy. Within the Sufi tradition, it is generally agreed that there are five primary centers of perception (Lataif) associated with certain colors and locations in the body.

HOW DO WE WORK?

This is an ongoing work of gradually learning to become more receptive to our Essential Self. During retreats the qualities are introduced through meditations and teachings. Then self-inquiry is used to sense and explore what was activated individually through the teaching, allowing for integration. Between retreats we deepen into each quality through day-long deepening groups and individual sessions.

WHAT IS OUR APPROACH?

The DLT guides individuals to find their unique Essential Self, rendering Essence accessible. The teachings do not focus on treating or curing a mental disturbance, or fixing the personality structure. Even though it contains therapeutic elements, it is not psychotherapy. The Work encourages individuals both to participate in and to bring the teachings into daily life.

The human being is born to be free and express its individuality and potential. Modern society does not value these principles; instead we are told to sacrifice our dreams for security and success. At this time in history we see the damage this approach is having on our freedom and our planet. Never before has humanity been called so urgently for a radical change. As individuals we have to awaken and reconnect with our true potential which will give us the inspiration and capacity for change.

Each retreat reintroduces us to an Essential quality that we lost as children. The main tool used in this work is Socratic Self Inquiry, a technique of self exploration which is taught and practised during our retreats. Self inquiry in combination with the teaching, acts as a catalyst for the integration of the Essential qualities into our daily lives. These qualities once integrated provide the Support, Courage and Enjoyment to interact with the world in a Real and Spontaneous way so to meet the challenges of our lives and time.

As children, we were pure and innocent. In the course of our growth a little at a time, we separated from our essential nature, from our Essence.

This process of growth and adaptation to our family and society resulted in the formation of our personality and was difficult for all of us to a lesser or greater extent. The personality is a set of patterns that inhibits us from living spontaneously from our Essence. We learned how to behave by imitating those around us (especially adults) so as to be accepted by society, fit in and survive.

Many of these patterns were destructive. For example if as a child your father enjoyed running around, laughing and making a lot of noise, and his mother always told him to be quiet so as not to disturb the neighbors. Your father may have learned not to take joy in laughter because of the negative consequences. Then, when your father saw you running around and laughing as a child, he may have told you to be quiet so as not to disturb the neighbors. This advice was not based on having actually checked to see if the neighbors were annoyed (or if they could even hear it), but rather on what he had learned from his parents. And as a result, you may have also grown up feeling disconnected from your sense of childhood joy. This kind of programming has lead to the formation of many unconscious beliefs and limitations.

In our approach we work to undo this programing so that we may live life according to our True Nature, unhindered by the patterns and beliefs of others. By understanding the origins of each pattern and by fully allowing the inner emotions and bodily tensions trapped in these patterns, we liberate their original energy, innocence and Essence. In this way we rediscover and return to our True Nature. This Natural State of Being expresses in specific ways: Love, Strength, Will, Joy, Peace and Compassion.

QUAL È LO SCOPO DEL NOSTRO PERCORSO?

Il Diamond Logos Teaching (DLT) guida il cammino dell’uomo dal labirinto della struttura della personalità verso il sé essenziale. Si tratta di un viaggio di scoperta e di esplorazione senza una meta prestabilita.

COS’E L’ESSENZA?

L’Essenza è la manifestazione del nostro vero Io in diverse qualità palpabili, come Presenza, Forza, Gioia, Compassione e Pace. È libera da condizionamenti e completamente naturale, non un prodotto dell’interazione con l’ambiente. Prima dello sviluppo della personalità un bambino piccolo è ancora nella sua essenza; egli è l’essenza.

COME FACCIAMO L’ESPERIENZA DELL’ESSENZA?

L’Essenza può essere sentita, vista, gustata, annusata e anche compresa. Tuttavia, il suo aspetto decisivo è un senso di esistenza. Quando facciamo esperienza della nostra essenza siamo una cosa sola con quello che percepiamo. Il nostro corpo non solo percepisce la luce, è luce; non solo ci sentiamo felici, siamo la felicità; non siamo solo curiosi, siamo la curiosità.

COSA SONO I LATAIF?

I Lataif sono qualità, forme di coscienza, o centri, che si configurano come le prime manifestazioni sottili dell’Essenza. La parola Lataif (singolare: Latifa) deriva dall’arabo e definisce l’“energia sottile”. All’interno della tradizione sufi, è generalmente accettato che ci sono cinque centri primari di percezione (Lataif) associati a determinati colori e punti nel corpo.

QUAL È IL NOSTRO APPROCCIO?

Il DLT guida gli studenti a trovare il proprio unico sé essenziale, rendendo accessibile l’Essenza. Gli insegnamenti non mirano a curare o a guarire un disturbo mentale, o ad aggiustare la struttura della personalità. Anche se contiene elementi terapeutici, il DLT non è psicoterapia. Il lavoro incoraggia gli individui, al contempo, a partecipare alla vita di ogni giorno e a vivere gli insegnamenti nella quotidianità.

COME LAVORIAMO?

Si tratta di un lavoro progressivo di graduale apprendimento della capacità di percepire il nostro Sé Essenziale. Durante i ritiri le qualità Essenziali vengono introdotte attraverso meditazioni e insegnamenti. Poi l’auto-indagine (self inquiry) viene utilizzata per percepire ed esplorare ciò che è stato attivato dall’insegnamento, consentendone l’integrazione. Tra un ritiro e l’altro si approfondisce il lavoro su ogni qualità con giornate dedicate a incontri di gruppo e con sessioni individuali.

L’essere umano è nato per essere libero ed esprimere la sua individualità e il suo potenziale. La società moderna non valorizza questi principi; al contrario ci viene detto di sacrificare i nostri sogni per la sicurezza e il successo. In questo momento storico vediamo i danni che un tale approccio sta causando alla nostra libertà a al nostro pianeta. Mai come adesso l’umanità è stata chiamata con tanta urgenza a un mutamento radicale. Come individui, dobbiamo risvegliarci e riscoprire la nostra potenzialità intrinseca, che ci darà l’ispirazione e la capacità di cambiare.

In ogni ritiro esploriamo una qualità essenziale con la quale abbiamo perso contatto da piccoli. Lo strumento principale adottato in questo lavoro è l’auto-indagine socratica, una tecnica di esplorazione di sé che viene insegnata e praticata durante i seminari. L’auto-indagine, in combinazione con l’insegnamento, agisce da catalizzatore per l’integrazione delle qualità essenziali nella vita quotidiana. Queste qualità, una volta integrate, forniscono il Supporto, il Coraggio e la Gioia per interagire con il mondo in modo reale e spontaneo, così da permetterci di rispondere alle sfide della vita e dei tempi in cui viviamo.

Da bambini siamo puri e innocenti. Nel corso della crescita un po’ alla volta ci separiamo dalla nostra vera natura, dalla nostra essenza.

Il processo di crescita e adattamento alla nostra famiglia e alla società ha avuto come esito la formazione della personalità ed è è stato difficile per tutti noi, in misura maggiore o minore. La personalità è costituita da un insieme di schemi che ci impedisce di vivere spontaneamente, a partire dall’Essenza. Abbiamo imparato come comportarci attraverso l’imitazione di coloro che ci circondano (soprattutto gli adulti), per essere accettati dalla società, per adattarci e sopravvivere.

Molti di questi schemi diventano l’unica modalità comportamentale e quindi sono limitanti. Per esempio se tuo padre, da bambino, si divertiva a correre, ridere e fare rumore, e sua madre sempre gli diceva di stare tranquillo per non disturbare i vicini, egli potrebbe avere imparato a non divertirsi e ridere a causa delle conseguenze negative del suo comportamento. Allora, quando poi ti vedeva correre e ridere da bambino, può averti detto di stare tranquillo per non disturbare i vicini. Il richiamo non si basava sulla verifica effettiva del disturbo arrecato agli altri inquilini (o persino del loro aver sentito qualcosa), ma su ciò che tuo padre aveva imparato da sua mamma. Come risultato, potresti essere cresciuto anche tu sentendoti disconnesso dal senso di gioia del tuo essere bambino. Questo tipo di “programmazione” ha portato alla formazione di molte convinzioni inconsce e limitazioni.

Nel nostro approccio lavoriamo per uscire da questo meccanismo e poter vivere la vita secondo la nostra Vera Natura, non ostacolati da schemi e condizionamenti. Nel comprendere le origini di ogni schema e nel viverne le emozioni e le tensioni fisiche, accogliendole dentro di noi, liberiamo la loro energia originaria, innocenza ed Essenza. Così riscopriamo e facciamo ritorno alla nostra Vera Natura. Questo stato naturale dell’essere si esprime in modi specifici: Amore, Forza, Volontà, Gioia, Pace e Compassione.

Exploring the Five Latif: A Bridge Between Psychology and Spirituality

In the teachings of the Diamond Approach and Diamond Logos, we often draw from the Sufi tradition, specifically the use of the Latif. These are subtle, energetic centers within the body, each associated with specific qualities of being and deeper spiritual states. For many students, understanding the Latif can help bridge the gap between psychology and spirituality, providing a more embodied experience of personal transformation.

There are five main Latif, and each one corresponds to a particular quality or essence, offering both spiritual insight and psychological integration:

1. Black Latifa: This represents stillness and mystery. Psychologically, it connects to the ability to let go, face the unknown, and embrace the quiet depth of our being. It can be an invitation to surrender control, which can bring up feelings of fear or anxiety related to not knowing what comes next, offering a chance to develop trust in the process of life.

2. White Latifa: This represents purity, clarity, and spaciousness. It’s also connected to personal will and the inner sense of support, particularly around self-confidence and agency. Psychologically, this often relates to early experiences with the father or authority figures.

3. Red Latifa: The Red Latifa embodies vitality, strength, and passion. It taps into our inner drive and courage. Psychologically, it’s deeply connected to the process of **separation and individuation**, helping us to stand on our own and assert our independence. This can also bring up issues around anger or frustration, as we claim our space and identity.

4. Yellow Latifa: This is the quality of joy and curiosity. It brings a sense of optimism and playfulness. From a psychological perspective, the Yellow Latifa helps us explore life with wonder, often connected to creativity and imagination. It can also reveal patterns of doubt or cynicism that might block our natural joy.

5. Green Latifa: The Green Latifa is about compassion and kindness, both for oneself and others. Psychologically, it helps soften the heart, promoting healing and acceptance. It’s especially useful in working with emotional wounds, as it allows us to approach them with tenderness and openness.

Through exposure to these five Latif, we support our psychological and spiritual unfoldment, allowing us to bring our True Self—our essence—into life. This process brings a greater sense of peace, enabling us to live with more authenticity and presence.