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Buddha Eyes
According to the Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra, there are five kinds of eyes that we must discover, cleanse, and empower:
- The fleshly eye (nhục nhãn), which requires light, space, and good physical condition to recognize forms, colors, and people around us.
- The heavenly eye (thiên nhãn), which can see very far without being obstructed by distance or obstacles, acquired either through meditation and concentration or through modern technology.
- The Dharma eye (pháp nhãn), which knows the true teachings and methods of practice fit for transformation and healing.
- The wisdom eye (tuệ nhãn), which looks deeply into the nature of reality to see impermanence, non-self, emptiness, and nirvana, freeing us from clinging to forms.
- The Buddha eye, the eye of omniscience and the full development of the wisdom eye, which sees into the mentality of every living being to open eighty-four thousand Dharma doors.
To these five, a sixth eye is added: the Sangha eye. The Sangha eye is brighter than individual eyes because it is made of all the individual eyes practicing mindfulness and concentration. It helps us realize our strengths and weaknesses, offers guidance, and cultivates our capacity for Sangha building. Taking refuge in the Sangha means having confidence in the Sangha eye and surrendering to its collective insight.
Building a Sangha is a noble task that provides a refuge for those who are lost. It is not achieved by organizing meetings, setting up rules, or using technology, but by living together twenty-four hours a day and practicing mindfulness, loving speech, and deep listening. By being a model of peace, joy, and stability, every member—whether a teacher, big sibling, or young sibling—contributes to bringing the whole community into harmony without obstacles.
Part of the following collection
Protecting Body and Mind