The Wisdom of Seeing: Goodness and the Path to Awakening

The Foundation of Our Six Sense Organs

The ability of the eyes to see is one of the essential functions of our Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. When these roots are free from illness, they can grow and develop with stability and strength. However, when flaws or ailments manifest within them, it is a sign that our past karma is surfacing. At such times, one must reflect deeply upon one's own state. It is vital that you do not create new negative causes that will lead to further suffering. To continue acting in ignorance is like adding illness to illness, or adding new scars to old wounds.

Defining the Path of Goodness

How do we distinguish between what is beneficial and what is harmful? We must measure our actions against the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way. Anything that aligns with these is considered Goodness. Conversely, anything that violates them is non-goodness. If the Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind are functioning properly, they can serve as instruments for our spiritual practice. By cultivating a keen sense of awareness, we can elevate our awareness, making our Six Sense Organs: eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind clearer and free from blemish. When each root breaks through its limitations, it can reach a state of total clarity and perfect function. This is the moment of awakened being.

Seeing Beyond the Physical World

The act of seeing is a function of the eye root. In our ordinary state, humans can only perceive the tangible, material world. However, through diligent practice and purification, our vision can penetrate much deeper. As the eyes of the spirit open, one begins to perceive the invisible world of spirits. By seeing the true nature of reality, you will no longer be deceived by the superficial appearances of the material world. Consequently, you will cease to create negative causes or commit transgressions. Your vision will become increasingly clear, and you will understand the true meaning of existence with absolute certainty. This clarity brings a profound sense of caution, as you will fear the creation of even the slightest negative cause, knowing that not even a trace of impurity can be tolerated.

The Fear of Karmic Consequences

The Pure Land is free from any flaws; it is a realm of pure Goodness. To enter this state of absolute purity and goodness—and eventually reach the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss—is the very process of our spiritual purification. When you witness non-goodness, you should immediately feel a sense of alarm and use it as a warning to remain vigilant. If you have made a mistake, you must repent and ensure that the error is never repeated; only then can we say that you have truly changed. Those who are truly awakened understand the laws of karma and cause and effect. Bodhisattvas, knowing how terrifying these laws can be, are naturally cautious and fearful of creating negative causes. They do not create causes, not even in the slightest, nor do they hold onto any sense of luck or chance. They avoid committing even the smallest transgression, for they know that if the conditions mature, even a minor negative cause will inevitably lead to the suffering of evil consequences. Therefore, a truly awakened person dares not create even the most subtle cause, and they remain free from even the most minute every thought and intention of wrongdoing.

Transcending the Ego

In contrast, ordinary beings remain unawakened. Whether they encounter Goodness or non-goodness, they do not act from a place of awareness, but rather from the perspective of the self. They are driven by ego-attachment, self-view, self-desire, and selfishness. Because of this, their awareness is obscured, and they continue to act based on the self, creating causes that eventually manifest as suffering. Only then do they realise how terrifying the laws of karma and cause and effect truly are. Those who cling tightly to the self—those whose ego-attachment, self-view, and selfishness are heavy—do not fear the suffering of the results. They continue to create negative causes, and thus their suffering remains endless. You must know how to repent and correct your mistakes. By doing so, you will give rise to all roots of goodness and achieve the fruit of Bodhi. Only through this path can you purify your heart, manifest Goodness, and eventually rediscover your Buddha nature within you.

Namo Amituofo