In the practice of zazen, every detail of our posture has a function, not just physics, but also mental, emotional and spiritual. The position of the eyes is one of those aspects that plays an important role in the quality of our meditation and in the development of full care.
In many meditation traditions, practitioners are taught to close their eyes to favor concentration. However, In Buddhism Soto Zen, The eyes remain slightly open. Because? Why zazen It is not an escape practice of the world, but a way of awakening reality as it is. Keeping your eyes ahead reinforces our willingness to be present here and now, In direct contact with our experience, Without departing or evading from it. The eyes in zazen They are not completely open or completely closed. Instead of that, They are soft and directed gently down, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, without looking at anything in particular. This posture reflects a mental attitude of balanced attention: not too tense, but not completely relaxed either. It is the middle point, the path that keeps us in touch with the present without distracting us or getting lost in daydreams.
The most interesting aspect of this look at zazen is not focusing directly on any object. The eyes are not focused on any specific object. In fact, If we look too intensely at some point, we run the risk of becoming distracted or tense. On the contrary, non-focusing facilitates broad, open awareness. In this practice, It's not about ignoring what you see., but not to let anything particular “catch”. It is a way of observing everything and nothing at the same time.. When the eyes are softly out of focus, We move away from the habit of focusing on the details and stories that we normally project onto what we perceive.. This broad, relaxed gaze reflects a mind that is not attached to thoughts or judgments.. By not directing attention exclusively towards a visual object, we also avoid clinging to particular thoughts, which allows us to remain in the state of, “just sit”, without any purpose beyond one's own experience of the present moment.
One of the challenges of keeping your eyes half-closed in zazen is finding the balance between relaxation and alertness. If we relax our gaze too much, we can fall into drowsiness or daydream. On the other hand, if we strain our eyes too much, The mind also tense, becoming rigid and susceptible to distraction. We must cultivate a quiet and open awareness, allowing the eyes to rest naturally in their position without forcing them. This balance is not just visual, but also mental, physical and emotional. Keep your eyes ajar, But without focusing on anything specific, reflects an awake and relaxed mind, Able to observe the flow of thoughts, sensations and emotions without being trapped in them. The eyes, in this sense, They are a mirror of our state: If they are relaxed, But attentive, We tend to adopt that same internal quality.
What we learn from the eyes in zazen You can also move to our daily life. Open or peripheral care is an approach that we can carry with us while we walk, we work or interact with others. Instead of focusing our attention on each visual stimulus, we can allow our gaze to broaden and soften, covering the entire visual field without clinging to anything in particular. This does not mean that we deliberately unfocus our eyes, but let us cultivate a broader and more receptive consciousness. on the street, For example, practicing a peripheral gaze can be especially helpful. Instead of focusing on specific details that distract or absorb us, We maintain an open attention that allows us to be present and connected with our environment without losing sight of the big picture.. This open look, that doesn't cling to anything, but it does not separate itself from the world, It is an extension of the same attitude that we cultivate in zazen.
The eyes in zazen They are a door to a broader and deeper way to see. They not only help us be present in the here and now, They teach us to look at life with an open and receptive mind. As in meditation, everyday life presents us with countless stimuli that can catch us, distract or overwhelm. However, When we learn to look without clinging, We can see the world as it is, Without the distortions of our projections and expectations. When practicing zazen With eyes slightly ajar and unfocused, We train our ability to see the world more clearly, deep and compassionate. This is the true essence of Zen practice: arouse the reality of this moment, both in the stillness of zazen as in the dynamism of everyday life.
