"The Spiral Staircase" by Anthony de Mello

A man came upon a tall tower and stepped inside to find it all dark. As he groped around, he came upon a circular staircase. Curious to know where it led to, he began to climb, and as he climbed, he sensed a growing uneasiness in his heart.

So he looked behind him and was horrified to see that each time he climbed a step, the previous one fell off and disappeared. Before him, the stairs wound upward and he had no idea where they led; behind him yawned an enormous black emptiness.

This is from The Heart of the Enlightened, a book of spiritual stories by Anthony de Mello.

The Spiritual Moral / Meaning of This Story

This story serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of life and the process of personal growth. The man’s experience in the dark tower reveals deep spiritual truths about faith, fear, and the nature of progress. Each step he takes represents the choices and actions we make in life, often shrouded in uncertainty and darkness.

The first lesson is about the nature of faith. Climbing the staircase in the dark, without knowing where it leads, mirrors our own journeys in life. We often cannot see the end of the path, and we must move forward with trust in the process. Faith is not about knowing the destination but about believing in the journey and having the courage to take each step despite the unknown.

Another moral of the story concerns the inevitability of change and the impermanence of the past. As the man climbs, the steps behind him disappear, symbolizing how we cannot return to the past. This teaches us to let go of what is behind us and focus on the present moment. Holding on to the past can prevent us from moving forward, and recognizing the impermanence of each step can help us live more fully in the now.

The growing uneasiness the man feels as he climbs represents the fear of the unknown and the anxiety that often accompanies change. This is a natural part of the journey. Spiritual growth requires us to confront our fears and uncertainties. The story reminds us that progress often comes with discomfort, but it is through facing this discomfort that we grow stronger and more resilient.

The black emptiness that yawns behind the man symbolizes the void of stagnation and the consequences of not moving forward. It serves as a reminder that staying still is not an option. Life demands progress, and avoiding the journey can lead to a metaphorical fall into the abyss of unfulfilled potential and regrets.

Furthermore, the circular staircase winding upward without a visible end reflects the infinite nature of spiritual and personal growth. There is always more to learn, more to experience, and more to become. The journey is continuous, and the pursuit of enlightenment and self-improvement is a lifelong process.

The darkness within the tower also symbolizes the inner workings of our minds and souls. The journey upward can be seen as an ascent toward enlightenment, self-awareness, and spiritual awakening. Each step taken in faith, despite the darkness, brings us closer to our true selves and a deeper understanding of our purpose.

Lastly, the story highlights the importance of courage and perseverance. The man’s decision to continue climbing despite the fear and uncertainty demonstrates the bravery required for personal and spiritual growth. It is a call to embrace the journey with an open heart, trusting that each step, though it may seem precarious, leads us closer to our higher selves.

Personal Reflection Questions:

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

What steps have I taken in my life that required faith despite not knowing the outcome?
How do I deal with the fear of the unknown in my personal journey?
What past experiences or steps do I need to let go of to move forward?
In what ways do I allow the impermanence of life to guide my actions and decisions?
How do I confront and manage the uneasiness and anxiety that come with change?
What does the black emptiness behind me symbolize in my own life?
How can I cultivate courage to continue climbing the stairs of my own spiritual journey?
What lessons have I learned from the steps that have already disappeared?
How do I maintain my faith and trust in the process when the path ahead is unclear?
In what ways can I embrace the continuous nature of personal and spiritual growth?

A Poem Based On This Story

The Ascent of Faith

In a tower, tall and dark,
A man began his quest, a spark,
To climb the stairs that wound so high,
Into the night, toward the sky.

Each step he took, the last would fall,
An empty void, a haunting call,
Yet upward still, his heart did yearn,
With faith in steps, the dark to spurn.

No sight of end, nor light ahead,
But trust in each, the path he tread,
The past erased, no way to flee,
Each step a choice, a destiny.

The void behind, a fearsome sight,
Yet forward bound, he faced the night,
For in the climb, his soul would grow,
In faith and strength, he’d come to know.

With every step, unease would rise,
Yet courage gleamed in darkened skies,
The endless stairs, a journey true,
Toward the light, beyond the blue.

So upward still, despite the fear,
For every step, a truth so clear,
The past dissolved, the present bright,
In faith he climbed, through darkest night.

No end in sight, yet still he climbed,
A heart of courage, so aligned,
With faith as guide, he journeyed on,
Toward the dawn, a new day’s song.