The Bodhisattva's Eye Also Sees Hidden Buddha-Nature
When we look at people, we usually react first to the words and actions that appear on the surface. If someone gets angry or speaks harshly, it is easy to dislike or judge that person by that appearance alone.
But the bodhisattva's eye does not see only the surface. It examines what suffering may be hidden behind those words, and what karma and conditions have moved that person in such a way. At the same time, it also sees the original nature, the Buddha-nature, deep within.
The reason a bodhisattva is compassionate is not that everything is decorated to look good. Suffering and faults are also seen, but the person is not ended by a single fault. Because the hidden bright possibility is seen together, compassion arises.
It is difficult for us to possess that eye completely. Greed and attachment, self-view and discrimination still remain. Yet if we remember this teaching, we can see a little more widely when we meet someone.
Today, before judging a person, ask once more: What suffering might be behind these words? What clear seed might also be within this person? That question is a small beginning toward the bodhisattva's eye.
The bodhisattva's eye does not see only the surface. When it sees the suffering and karma behind words and actions, and also the Buddha-nature deep within, compassion arises instead of hatred.
