The Spiral
Spiral – a model of attention orientation
The spiral functions in this context as both a concrete and symbolic structure. It can be physically implemented, for example, as a shape placed on the floor, or visualized as a mental image. The spiral represents a gradual shift from external perception towards internal experience and ultimately towards fundamental awareness.
During the exercise, the participant moves along the spiral towards the center. This movement symbolizes the direction of attention towards the core of experience, which can be described by the concept of “I am”. The key is non-goal-oriented progression: the process is not driven by the desire to reach the end point quickly, but by an observant and open presence at each stage.
Inward attention is a conceptually challenging phenomenon. It is often understood as simply observing the contents of the mind – such as thoughts, feelings and memories. However, in this model, directing attention inward refers to a deeper shift: not simply observing the contents of the mind, but exploring the basis of the observation itself. The spiral serves as a didactic tool to concretize this shift.
When reaching the center of the spiral, the participant pauses for a moment. This phase can be viewed as a state where attention rests without an external object. After this, the movement continues back towards the outer circle. The return phase illustrates the mind’s natural orientation towards external objects and stimuli. At the same time, it makes visible that directing attention inward requires conscious intentional action.
The texts used in the exercise remain largely unchanged. The repetition-based approach supports deepening understanding and reduces the mind’s tendency to constantly seek out new stimuli. The goal is not to add information, but to enable direct insight that is not based solely on cognitive processing. In this context, it can be said that the exercise is oriented towards the foundation of the mind rather than the contents of the mind.
Practices
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1. Existence
This exercise focuses on the fundamental experience of existence and awareness.
I. Sit with your back straight and let your breath flow naturally.
II. Bring your attention to the immediate experience of existence.
III. Consider whether it is possible to imagine a situation in which there is no existence.
IV. Consider whether existence can be divided into separate parts.
V. Notice that you are aware of your own existence.
VI. Examine whether awareness itself can be divided.
VII. Consider the possibility that awareness and existence are inseparable.
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2. Source of thought
The purpose of the exercise is to examine the functioning of the mind as a whole through a single thought.
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I. Choose one clearly observable thought.
II. Treat it as an object of research: what is it and how does it manifest itself?
III. Question the assumed self-evidence of the thought.
IV. Direct attention to the origin of the thought – where does it arise?
V. If a source emerges, examine it without conceptualizing it.
VI. Note that the source cannot necessarily be described as an object or a separate phenomenon.
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3. Physicality
This exercise examines body identification and the experience of agency.
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I. Start with body awareness: observe the body as an immediate experience.
II. Assume that you are simply the body.
III. Consider whether it makes sense to talk about “my body” in this case.
IV. Examine whether the body’s action requires a separate “I.”
V. Consider whether your own experience of agency requires a separate agent.
VI. Direct your attention to the question: what or who is acting?