“Because, as we mentioned, nothing but the attention can liberate us from the unconscious and mechanical mind, the foundation of all real spiritual disciplines is the cultivation of this attention. The essence of this cultivation is to bring the attention to the point in which it refers to itself and becomes aware of itself. At this stage we could, for example, use the thought 'here and now,' as a focal point of concentration. One must repeat this thought like a mantra, being fully conscious, attentive and present to it. In this exercise one experiences the presence of attention as directed toward the thought. After contemplating it for a time, one is asked to discern, 'what is that which is aware of our mantra?' 'What is this attention behind the thought here and now?' One learns how to turn the focus of attention to the attention itself. Then one is able to experience this attention in itself, as separated from mental objects. It is here that the Presence is born.”

— Aziz Kristof

Enlightenment Beyond Traditions