Significance of Divine ear
The Divine ear is a significant concept in both Vyakarana and Mahayana traditions, representing a range of supernormal auditory abilities. This includes the capacity to hear celestial beings, the ability to perceive the sounds of various worlds, and the heightened awareness that allows enlightened beings to hear teachings beyond normal human capabilities. In Theravada, it signifies a similar ability to hear from both heavenly and earthly realms. Ultimately, the Divine ear embodies a spiritual auditory perception that enhances compassion and understanding in enlightened beings.
Synonyms: Heavenly ear, Celestial ear, Clairaudience, Spiritual hearing
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Divine ear'
The Divine ear in Buddhism, or divyashrotra, represents a heightened auditory perception enabling enlightened beings, like the Buddha and arhats, to hear beyond ordinary limits, including distant sounds and teachings from various realms, reflecting profound spiritual compassion.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Also referred to as divyashrotra, it is suggested to have similar qualities and significance in relation to auditory perception as the divine eye has for vision.[1] (2) The third abhijna that allows one to hear the sounds and words of various beings across different worlds.[2] (3) A supernatural ability attributed to the rishi Asita, enabling him to hear celestial beings announcing the Bodhisattva's birth.[3] (4) The ability of arhats endowed with superknowledges to hear the teachings of the Buddha, even if they are not physically present.[4] (5) The ability to hear distant sounds or truths, traditionally attributed to enlightened beings through the miraculous power of the Buddha.[5]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) An elevated state of auditory perception that the Bodhisattva has yet to attain, representing a heightened spiritual awareness.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A supernormal capability that allows one to hear sounds from various realms, both heavenly and earthly.[7]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) A psychic power obtained through concentration that enables one to hear sounds from both human and divine sources, whether far or near.[8]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A desired ability for Sunakkhatta to hear celestial sounds, which the Buddha declined to grant due to Sunakkhatta's negative karma.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Divine ear'
In Hinduism, the Divine ear is one of the six abhijnas, representing an enhanced ability to hear beyond ordinary limits, symbolizing spiritual insight and heightened perception in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Another of the six abhijnas, signifying the capacity to hear beyond normal auditory capabilities.[10]
The concept of Divine ear in local and regional sources
Divine ear signifies a heightened spiritual perception, allowing individuals to discern profound truths within music, reflecting a deeper understanding of sound and its emotional resonance, as noted in regional interpretations.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A spiritual or heightened sense of perception attributed to individuals who can hear deeper truths in music.[11]