09 Apr Looking or Seeing

The words “look” and “see” are often used interchangeably. However, they are different. To look means to direct our eyes in a particular direction. To see means we become aware of something by using our eyes.

An essential difference between looking and seeing is in the context of time. We can look at the past and at the future. However, we cannot look at the present as the present is right here, right now; not somewhere else in which direction we can look.

We can see things only in the present. We cannot use our eyes to become aware of something in the past or future because these time frameworks are not real; they’re artificial; constructed by our mind; an illusion.

Hence, for example, we cannot look for real beauty; it only exists where we can see it which is wherever we are now.

When enlightened, we can see. When we are looking, we are looking in the dark.