There is a way of seeing that recognizes things as they are, without bias, judgement, or contrivance. That is to see with your heart. At first it seems weird to think that our heart is capable of seeing, as if it has its own set of eyes. The reality is, what the heart knows is beyond sight, since it pertains to the meaning of what is seen, what is prioritized in our love, and how things attain to their harmony.
When we look at a sunset, we may see the colors and shapes, but it is our heart that sees the meaningfulness of those colors together, and therefore we are moved in our heart when we see it. Likewise, when we look at a person, we may see their face and their behavior, but it is our heart that see their innate value as a person. This is seeing with our heart.
When we have bias or judgements or contrivance, we are holding a general concept against a person or thing, which in some way blocks our ability to appreciate and love them for who or what they are. This bias is not grounded in the heart but in the head, and usually in the selfish concept of “I” and whatever it is emotionally attached to. This is the primary obstacle to seeing with our heart. Once we recognize or are taught that we are holding a bias, our awareness can make the distinction between an ego-based assumption and a heartfelt, clear, and sober seeing. This distinction then allows us to let go of the bias and open up to seeing with our heart.
In meditation, the practice is a slow and steady process of removing the ego-based biases we have about the nature of reality in order to give way to a heartfelt, clear, and sober experience of reality. To be fully free of all ego-based bias is the ultimate fruition of spiritual life. May you come to know the value of seeing with your heart, that you may know and appreciate people and things for who and what they truly are.
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