The True Way, Hidden in the Eyes 正法眼藏

In the first blog, I talked about the source or the beginning of the mind as the most important place for self-cultivation. You might ask - "Where is the source of the mind?  Why is it the starting point for self-cultivation?"  A verse from the Buddha can help explain:

Click on the video to follow along.

​​​​​​「吾有正法眼藏，涅槃妙心，實相無相，微妙法門，不立文字，教外別傳，付囑摩訶迦葉。」 

During the Flower Sermon, the Buddha said:

"I hold the true Way, hidden in the eyes. It leads to the wonders of the awakened mind, the ultimate truth beyond all forms, and the deep path of practice. This teaching needs no words—it is passed on in an unconventional way. I have entrusted it to Mahākāśyapa."

Our physical bodies and looks are our "temporary" selves because they change. Image from Shutterstock

Each time I recite this verse in Chinese, I feel a deep sense of awe, as if each word is already part of me. When I hear others recite it, I feel a quiet reverence and a sense that we are sharing something sacred together. I feel truly blessed to know this verse.

There are many ways to reflect on its meaning, but here is my humble understanding. This teaching is hidden in plain sight, right before our eyes. It leads us back to our true selves and brings us to the very beginning of the enlightened mind. This is where the deepest truth is found. In simple terms, this verse shows us the right place to begin our path of self-cultivation so that every effort we make truly matters.