Al-Qalbi

How can we transform ourselves into radiant, illuminated beings
directed toward the purpose of our lives?

The Classic Method, used by almost all spiritual schools,
(except IAM) is

Alchemy

The alchemists invented distillation as a metaphor for human transformation.
This is an early diagram of the apparatus.

"Al-chemy" is Arabic for "The Egyptian Art".
Alchemy was first developed by the Egyptians Hermes and Serapis.

The Alchemists used a physical metaphor for human transformation: Salt, Mercury and Sulphur represent one's body (solid), mind (liquid) and spirit (gas). Initially, these three components of the self are bound together in an "amalgam", a mixture in which they have become confused with each other. Transformation is blocked by co-dependent structures that prevent change.
To initiate change, the amalgam is pounded and subjected to fire. When heated, the vaporous sulphur boils off and is collected. Then the mercury boils off and is discarded. The remaining salt is burned until it forms a white, pure ash. This represents the abandonment of the ego, mental concepts and physical identity.
The spirit is freed from the amalgam by being distilled. This represents the immaculate condition of one's pure, receptive being -- pure consciousness.
The "Philopher's Stone" (actually a jewel) touches the now-liquid pure spirit, and the liquid attaches to the jewel, taking its form. (A simple example is the formation of sugar crystals around a string in warm sugar water.) Consciousness is individuated by remembering its purpose.
The Philopher's Stone represents the appearance of one with an illuminated heart, who is the template for the reconstruction of individuality. When this person appears while one is in a highly-receptive and purified condition, the transformation is rapid, almost immediate. This is the stage of rebirth in the divine image.
Finally, the illuminated spirit and mind is mixed with the purified body to form a new version of the Philosopher's Stone.
A modern, high-tech demonstration of the philosopher's stone can be seen in the way silicon crystals are grown in the laboratory. An existing crystal is brought in contact with the surface of molten silicon, and slowly drawn upward. A long crystal is formed as new silicon atoms arrange themselves around the structure established by the beginning crystal. Thus sand particles are transformed into a perfect silicon matrix, used in making silicon chips for electronics.

Molten Silicon
Growing Crystals of Silicon
The difficulty with Alchemy is the distortion produced by the application of force and heat, the devaluing of the "lower" self, the requirement of complete surrender, maintaining a non-identity for some period, and the danger of reforming one's identity around a non-ideal principle. It is a forceful, radical process unknown in nature. When applied in a spiritual school, it can easily lead to abuses.

The New Method, used by IAM, is

Alqalbi

"Al-Qalbi" is Arabic for "The Divine Heart".

Alqalbi develops illumination in people the way crystals grow naturally, using light, without heat, and without any discard.

We also use a physical metaphor for human transformation, based on crystallization and light. When a rock is exposed to the intense sun for a long time, like the stones high in the Alps, a sliver of white begins to form in the top layer of rock.
In time, this translucent white stripe becomes transparent crystal. It happens little-by-little, rather than suddenly.
Even a rock is continually evolving, and the illuminated beings of the rock kingdom are the crystals. Becoming a crystal is a rock's highest stage of evolution.
The light of the sun, which is a wave, exerts a small force on the atoms of the rock. As the surface atoms line up under its influence, falling into the valleys of its waves, the light can penetrate further into the rock. Eventually the light can pass all the way through the crystal matrix without being blocked by any atoms -- hence, the rock becomes transparent.
This process represents the transformation of the heart by love. The opaque rock is the heart's blocked condition; the transparent crystal is the heart's illuminated condition.
In becoming a crystal, the opaque rock has become both transparent and more durable. It is incredibly hard, but it can pass light and bend light. It's internal structure can be seen easily; it hides nothing. The illuminated heart is both open and courageous.
The transformation of the heart requires no heat or pressure. The rock is moved by its affinity (love) for light to try to become like light by being a crystallization of light. Each atom that finds its place in the crystal matrix is held there by interlocking forces of the surrounding matrix, so the crystallization process is permanent. Notice that no atoms are pushed out of the rock in the process. Nothing of the heart is lost. Impurities in the rock produce beautiful colors in the crystal.
The sun that shines on the crystal represents an illuminated heart, like the Philosopher's Stone, whose effect is to cause a re-ordering of the structure of one's own heart, opening it to divine love and recalling the purpose of life.
Notice the transforming power of one heart's love to remind another of their divine qualities and unique purpose, without pressure or force.
No part of oneself is disparaged or discarded, rather all parts are brought, through love, into harmony and integrity, represented by the precise ordering in the crystal matrix. Specifically, the ego, mind and body are valued, and aligned to the service of one's heart.
Alqalbi does not require surrender as a pre-condition to transformation, as Alchemy does. Alqalbi does require the early and continuous presence of a living being with an illuminated heart, an example of what a person can become. The process happens by love, so the presence of a living teacher is necessary, along with the practices of meditation that purify one's heart and expose it to the Universal Heart.

To explore Alqalbi in depth, refer to IAM course #403.

See the IAM course schedule.

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