My dear friends,

Verse 9 of The Three Principles of the Path describes the transition from relative to ultimate Bodhicitta as follows:

To "open the wisdom eye" means to develop the profound insight into the true nature of reality, particularly the understanding of emptiness (śūnyatā) and interdependence (pratītyasamutpāda). This wisdom eye is not a physical eye but rather a metaphorical one, representing the deep, intuitive understanding and direct perception of the ultimate truth beyond mere intellectual knowledge.

In the context of Buddhist teachings, especially those of the Tibetan tradition and the Lam Rim (stages of the path) teachings, this wisdom eye refers to the higher training in wisdom (prajñā). This training involves a clear and direct realization of emptiness, the understanding that all phenomena lack inherent, independent existence. This realization is essential for cutting the root of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth), which is ignorance of the true nature of reality.

Here is a deeper exploration of what it means to open the wisdom eye:

1. Cultivating the Wisdom of Emptiness
   • Emptiness, or śūnyatā, refers to the absence of inherent existence in all phenomena. This doesn't mean that things do not exist at all, but rather that they do not exist independently or intrinsically. They arise dependently, based on causes and conditions.
   • Opening the wisdom eye involves meditative practices that help one to perceive this lack of inherent existence directly. It requires moving beyond conceptual understanding to a non-dualistic, experiential realization.
2. Understanding Interdependence
   • Interdependence (pratītyasamutpāda) is the principle that all things arise in dependence upon multiple causes and conditions. Nothing exists in isolation or from its own side independently.
   • Realizing interdependence helps to dismantle the false view of a solid, permanent self and objects, leading to a more fluid and interconnected perspective on life.
3. Integrating Relative and Ultimate Bodhicitta
   • Relative bodhicitta is the compassionate aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. It involves practices of love, compassion, and altruism.
   • Ultimate bodhicitta is the direct realization of emptiness. By opening the wisdom eye, one transcends dualistic perceptions and realizes the ultimate nature of phenomena.
   • The integration of these two aspects is crucial. Compassion without wisdom can become limited or misguided, while wisdom without compassion can become detached or cold. Together, they form a complete path to enlightenment.

In summary, opening the wisdom eye is about transcending superficial perceptions and developing a profound, experiential understanding of the nature of reality. This wisdom, combined with compassionate motivation, is what ultimately cuts the root of samsara, leading to true liberation.