To open one's eyes is to expand one's vision beyond the limitations of the physical world. It is the ability to perceive worlds and states of space that remain invisible to our ordinary physical eyes. In the context of our spiritual practice, this capacity is revealed only after have undergone deep and thorough purification. When we speak of the physical eyes, we must understand that they are composed of the four great elements. They are a manifestation of our past , the presence of our , and the biological structure of our eye cells. The range and clarity of what we see through these physical eyes are strictly limited by these material and .
The Compassionate Vision of the Awakened
Many truths of the universe are not visible to the naked eye. We can only come to know these profound realities through the vision of those who have successfully opened their eyes. As a practitioner advances in their purification, the depth and breadth of the spaces they can perceive will naturally expand. This is not merely a display of power, but a vital tool for our mission. Within these hidden spaces, there are countless sentient beings who are suffering and in need of salvation. From the perspective of saving beings, the more one's eyes are opened, the more layers of space one can perceive. This vision can extend deep into the earth or beneath the oceans, allowing the practitioner to reach and save the spirits residing within those realms. Opening one's eyes is therefore a purposeful act, intended solely for understanding the truth of reality and fulfilling the vow to save all beings.
Cultivating the Pure Heart of Clarity
You may ask, how can one achieve this state of opened vision? The path is rooted in the principle that when the heart is pure, the land is pure. This purity extends to your entire body and your Six Roots, including your eyes. The depth and breadth of what you can perceive are directly proportional to the degree of your purification. The more compassionate and purified your heart and eyes become, the greater your capacity to see into the vastness of the universe. This is why we constantly remind the fourfold assembly to expand your mind-capacity. We encourage you to look at things with kindness, think good thoughts, speak with , and act with integrity. All of these efforts are designed to purify your heart and your eyes, allowing the innate potential of your Six Roots to manifest fully.
The Fivefold Radiance of Enlightened Sight
As you progress, your vision will evolve through different stages of clarity and depth. This is the essence of the Five Eyes, which represent the unfolding of our true nature:
Physical Eyes: Our ordinary, limited vision governed by karma and physical structures.
Heavenly Eye: The ability to see beyond the physical, perceiving the movements of beings across different realms.
Eye: The clear vision that perceives the truth of the Dharma and the nature of all phenomena.
Wisdom Eye: The profound insight that sees through the illusions of the world to the ultimate reality.
Buddha Eye: The complete and perfect vision that encompasses all things, fully manifesting the wisdom of the Buddha.
By diligently practising, you can move from the limitations of the physical world toward this state of perfect, enlightened vision. Let us continue to chant , purifying our hearts and minds until the light of our true nature shines through, enabling us to see clearly and save all beings who are lost in the cycle of rebirth.
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe
