Direct pointing is a teaching method where the teacher guides the seeker to recognize truth through their own direct experience, without relying on concepts, beliefs, or intermediate explanations. It is the most direct form of transmitting self-knowledge.

The Nature of Direct Pointing

• Direct pointing bypasses intellectual understanding — it directs attention to the experiencer itself, here and now.

• The teacher does not give answers — they point to the seeker's own experience and let the seeker see for themselves.

• A direct pointing may use words, silence, questions, or gestures — the method is secondary to the effect of turning attention inward.

• It works because the truth is already present — the seeker simply needs to be directed to see what is already the case.

Examples of Direct Pointing

• The teacher asks: 'Who is aware of this thought?' — pointing to the witness rather than the thought.

• The teacher says: 'Look for the one who is looking' — directing attention to the subject rather than the object.

• The teacher remains silent — pointing to the awareness that is present between thoughts, in which silence itself is experienced.

Related Concepts

Teacher, seeker, self-knowledge, experiencer, awareness, neti neti, contemplation