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THE NOTION OF GROWTH
previously unknown experiences, we are incapable of expanding the circle of our familiar life.
Our life is only where our attention is.
Our attention works like a spotlight that we train on events and objects. The objects in the center of the light we perceive the clearest. The more we leave the center, the weaker the light becomes and the more indistinct everything we see appears. The periphery of the circle of light finally harbors all the objects and events that we - consciously or subconsciously refuse permission to intrude into the center of our attention.
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So if we want to discover new levels of consciousness, then the periphery of our consciousness - i.e. the perimeter of the cone of light - offers an almost inexhaustible reservoir of experiences. We definitely had these experiences, but we never consciously examined them. By placing them into the center of our attention (by consciously training the spotlight on them), we expand them. They then become vivid and clear and we can discriminate details and start to consciously relate to them.
Everything we will ever cognize in the context of this universe already exists at the periphery of our consciousness. This also includes all higher stages of development. We can access this treasure-trove of experience at any time we chose.
Directing our attention towards the events at the periphery is a conscious step. It is the deliberate decision to introduce new elements to our life.28
Jain Education International
28 Focussing on peripheral events may confront us with religious, philosophical or personal ideas, preconceptions or programs that may interfere with our openness for new experiences on a deep
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