Eye of Wisdom

Having obtained the eye of wisdom,
I will remove the darkness of ignorance;
I will block all the evil paths
And open the gate to the good realms. — Bodhisattva Dharmakara

"Having obtained" refers to years of study (of the three sutras of Amida Buddha) and meditation (particularly Nembutsu or Buddha Recitation) which uncovers the "Eye of Wisdom".

"Eye of wisdom" refers to the eye that sees the Dharma and the inner spiritual world. Also known as the Dharma Eye, the Eye of Wisdom is the complement of the physical eye that sees the external material world, which is called the Worldly Eye.

"Darkness of ignorance" refers to the state of the unenlightened mind that delights in sensuous desire and the evil passions which distract the Buddhist from the spiritual journey. Evil in context with the passions refers to any confusion and distraction from that journey due to wrong action resulting in wrong-mindedness.

"Evil paths" refers to the many paths which distract the Buddhist from achieving calm abiding and peace of mind. Calm abiding refers to the mind that is content with itself and is free of evil passions.

Through regular meditation, it is possible to "remove the darkness of ignorance" and "block all the evil paths" through calm abiding and continued reflection on Enlightenment. By removing the darkness of ignorance and blocking all evil paths, confusion and distraction from the spiritual journey is dispelled. As a result, the clear mind is achieved in which calmness abides.

With calm abiding, it is possible to "open the gate to the good realms" of spiritual contentment, which prepares the way to the Pure Land of Bliss.

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Juseige - Verses confirming the 48 Vows:
http://web.mit.edu/stclair/www/larger.html#Juseige%20-%20Verses%20confirming%20the%2048%20Vows

Eye of wisdom: http://www.buddhapadipa.org/dhamma-corner/the-eye-of-wisdom/

Transcending the Imagination

Technically, a certain Amida Buddha might not have existed long ago as he only exists in the Buddha world Sukhavativyuha, hence called the Pure Land of Bliss.

All of the possible Pure Lands do not exist in material space-time as they are of a Buddhist metaphysical nature.

Indeed, it may become necessary to believe in the Pure Land and in Amida Buddha in order to implement Nembutsu practice faithfully, as belief in the Pure Land is based on what is called the Primal Vow, which might place them next to God and unicorns.

This is similar to the stigma of mental illness where "it's all in your head." If God and unicorns are made up and due to the wildness of one's imagination, then the same thing might be said of Amida Buddha.

However, this is like comparing apples to imaginary oranges. The apple of this world may exist, but imaginary oranges only exist in the mind. Even though you cannot taste the oranges, you can still have a mind's view of them.

Likewise, the mind's view of Amida Buddha and the Pure Land is but a metaphysical reality.

Belief in the Pure Land is based on faith in the Primal Vow and especially rebirth in the Pure Land.

While there has never been any proof that the Pure Land exists except as metaphysical reality, a Buddhist would have to suspend disbelief, believe in what the three Pure Land Sutras say about Amida, and — as a result of his studies — have faith in the Primal Vow.

Indeed, I sometimes try to transcend my imagination when chanting Nembutsu quietly. For I believe in what the three Pure Land Sutras says about Amida Buddha and the Pure Land of Bliss.

That is what metaphysics is about: transcending the physics of this reality for the higher goal of happiness and peace for all sentient being in the Six Realms of Desire!

For information on the Primal Vow and other Buddhist terms in this article, check the tags below.

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Original post: June 24, 2013 1242H PDT