Significance of Eye
Synonyms: Vision, Sight, Glance, Look, View, Pupil, Eyeball
In Dutch: Oog; In German: Auge; In Finnish: Silmä; In Spanish: Ojo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eye'
In Buddhism, "Eye" symbolizes the organ's illuminating capacity, yet it highlights limitations in perception, such as recognizing only color. This reflects the broader theme of understanding the constraints of sensory experience.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A metaphorical representation of perception or consciousness that comes into existence without originating from a distinct source.[1] (2) An organ noted for its capacity to illuminate, yet restricted to perceiving certain aspects like color.[2] (3) A sensory organ that perceives objects, functioning in a way that can cause a single object to appear diverse under certain conditions.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the six senses in Buddhism, demonstrating that perception arises but lacks a substantial, enduring essence.[4] (2) The eye (cakshus) is described as empty (shunya), devoid of a sense of 'me' (anatman) or 'mine' (anatmiya), reflecting its essence (prakritir asyaisha).[5]
Hindu concept of 'Eye'
In Hinduism, the Eye symbolizes perception and insight, serving as both a physical organ of vision and a ritual element, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges and connect spiritually with divinity, particularly Shri Hari.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) One of the four components of Brahman's 'foot,' representing the sensory organ responsible for sight.[6] (2) Symbolically represents perception, insight, and judgment necessary for navigating life.[7] (3) The eyes are called udgitha and are considered superior to the organ of speech.[8] (4) The eyes are likened to the Rig Veda.[9] (5) The third foot of Brahman, symbolizing perception and awareness of the external world.[10]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Highlighted in a verse with the sages Vishvamitra and Jamadagni, illustrating the right and left eye.[11] (2) The eye is referred to as Pratishtha, providing steadiness and enabling one to navigate both difficult and smooth situations by offering sight.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Symbolically represents perception and awareness in the context of spiritual understanding and the recognition of the highest Self.[13] (2) One of the potential exit points for the soul, as mentioned in the context of the process of departure.[14]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A metaphorical representation of Aryaman, symbolizing vision and enlightenment.[15]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Represents the physical means of seeing, emphasizing the inability to view the subject matter through this sense.[16]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) One of the factors that corresponds to perception and insight within the four-factored foot of Brahman.[17]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the sensory organ that does not perceive or reach Brahman.[18]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The eyes represent one of the sense-organs through which individuals perceive the external world, implying that all senses are involved.[19]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) One of the five sense organs responsible for sight; mentioned in dual form to indicate the two different substrata of the visual organ.[20] (2) The eye is punished when an individual is caught trying to stare at the king's wife.[21]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Symbolizes perception and insight, invoked for the enhancement of the sacrificial act.[22] (2) A part of the body referenced in the cleansing formula, symbolizing different aspects of purity and sanctity in the ritual.[23]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The facial organs that are anointed using the salve and are part of the individual's ritual cleansing.[24]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to a verse recited while asking the woman to look at the sun, signifying enlightenment and clarity.[25]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Must be elongated slightly, measuring three parts of a yava more than three yavas.[26] (2) The part of Lord Hari that is honored in the mrigashirsha asterism.[27]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Described as Tapas Loka in the cosmological interpretation of the human form.[28]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another focus of adoration, representing perception and insight in spiritual context.[29]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) An aspect of Agni associated with the ability to see; knowing it leads to heightened perception.[30] (2) Symbolically referred to as the all-embracer's child, the Eye represents perception and is connected to the rains and the rainy season.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The physical organs of sight, which, according to the text, are not the only means through which one sees Shri Hari.[32]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Part of the statement that indicates where the gopis are focusing their attention.[33]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) The organ of vision that allows perception of sight and observation of visual characteristics.[34]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) An organ highlighted with a detailed structure and proportion, characterized by components like the pupil and the iris.[35]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Facial features reflecting emotions, health, and sometimes wealth based on their size and color.[36]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The organ of sight, referred to as locanam.[37]
The concept of Eye in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Eye" symbolizes awareness and realization, drawing from the biblical awakening of Adam and Eve, who gain insight into their nakedness after consuming the forbidden fruit, representing a significant moment of enlightenment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphor for awareness and realization as represented by the awakening of Adam and Eve to their nakedness after eating the forbidden fruit.[38]