I don't think the first chapters focus on any kind of goal. They were mostly mechanical stuff that would probably apply to any kind of meditative activity.

I haven't really gone beyond the first few chapters. I think the book, if you really want to go with it all along, gives a few years content of practicing for most people.

It's true there's some spiritual content in it, but I was largely ignoring it and it didn't bother me at all.