Significance of The eyes
The eye holds significant symbolism across various traditions, illustrating diverse perceptions and insights. In Hinduism, it is associated with spiritual understanding, enlightenment, and represents a sensory organ crucial for perception. Tibetan Buddhism views the eye as a means of perceiving the world, highlighting its non-essential nature. In Shilpashastra, it is meticulously detailed in structure, while Vedanta emphasizes its role in spiritual awakening and connection to Brahman. Overall, the eye signifies perception, awareness, and insight, emphasizing its importance in both spiritual and practical contexts.
Synonyms: The vision, The sight
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'The eyes'
In Buddhism, the eye symbolizes perception and consciousness, characterized by emptiness (shunya) and the absence of a permanent self (anatman), illustrating the transient nature of sensory experience and the illusion of a solid identity.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the six senses in Buddhism, demonstrating that perception arises but lacks a substantial, enduring essence.[1] (2) The eye (cakshus) is described as empty (shunya), devoid of a sense of 'me' (anatman) or 'mine' (anatmiya), reflecting its essence (prakritir asyaisha).[2]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A metaphorical representation of perception or consciousness that comes into existence without originating from a distinct source.[3] (2) A sensory organ that perceives objects, functioning in a way that can cause a single object to appear diverse under certain conditions.[4]
Hindu concept of 'The eyes'
In Hinduism, "The eye" symbolizes perception and enlightenment through its connection to sensory awareness, spiritual understanding, and mythological elements, emphasizing its significance in recognizing the highest Self and navigating life’s complexities.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) One of the four components of Brahman's 'foot,' representing the sensory organ responsible for sight.[5] (2) Symbolically represents perception, insight, and judgment necessary for navigating life.[6] (3) The eyes are called udgitha and are considered superior to the organ of speech.[7] (4) The eyes are likened to the Rig Veda.[8] (5) The third foot of Brahman, symbolizing perception and awareness of the external world.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Symbolically represents perception and awareness in the context of spiritual understanding and the recognition of the highest Self.[10] (2) One of the potential exit points for the soul, as mentioned in the context of the process of departure.[11]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A metaphorical representation of Aryaman, symbolizing vision and enlightenment.[12]
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.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) One of the factors that corresponds to perception and insight within the four-factored foot of Brahman.[14]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the sensory organ that does not perceive or reach Brahman.[15]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The eyes represent one of the sense-organs through which individuals perceive the external world, implying that all senses are involved.[16]
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.[17] (2) The eye is punished when an individual is caught trying to stare at the king's wife.[18]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A part of the body referenced in the cleansing formula, symbolizing different aspects of purity and sanctity in the ritual.[19]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to a verse recited while asking the woman to look at the sun, signifying enlightenment and clarity.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Described as Tapas Loka in the cosmological interpretation of the human form.[21]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Must be elongated slightly, measuring three parts of a yava more than three yavas.[22]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another focus of adoration, representing perception and insight in spiritual context.[23]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) An aspect of Agni associated with the ability to see; knowing it leads to heightened perception.[24] (2) Symbolically referred to as the all-embracer's child, the Eye represents perception and is connected to the rains and the rainy season.[25]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) An organ highlighted with a detailed structure and proportion, characterized by components like the pupil and the iris.[26]
The concept of The eyes in local and regional sources
The eye symbolizes awareness and realization, illustrated by Adam and Eve's newfound consciousness of their nakedness after consuming the forbidden fruit, representing a pivotal moment of enlightenment and understanding in their existence.
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.[27]