Spiritual Basis of Equal Vision
In the material world, vision is usually dictated by the external covering of the body, leading to discrimination based on race, species, and social status. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that true knowledge culminates in "equal vision" (sama-darśana). This spiritual perception allows one to see beyond the temporary material dress and recognize the eternal spirit soul present in every living being. According to the Bhagavad-gītā, this ability to see the spiritual unity amidst material diversity is the symptom of a truly learned sage.
Vision of a Learned Sage
Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites Bhagavad-gītā 5.18 to define the standard of true education. A paṇḍita, or learned person, does not distinguish between a high-class intellectual and a so-called low-born outcast, nor does he distinguish between a human and an animal. He sees them all on the same spiritual basis.
- The humble sage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentle brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater (outcaste).
- A learned person's vision enables him to see them all equally. How is this? He does not see the body but the soul, the spiritual spark (Brahman). He thinks: Here is a dog, but it is also a living entity, although by his past karma he has become a dog.
- Equal vision is possible for a learned man who sees a learned brahmin, a dog, an elephant, a cow on the same basis. What is that basis? Spiritual understanding.
Beyond Bodily Designations
Equal vision is the antithesis of the bodily concept of life. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that as long as one identifies with the body, one sees others as "Chinaman," "Christian," or "Hindu." Spiritual vision penetrates this illusion, recognizing the active principle—the self—working within the fish, the insect, the bird, and the human. Only on this platform is universal brotherhood possible.
- Samah sarvesu bhutesu: he can see everyone on equal vision. Because he knows, - Here is also another living entity. He is not a Chinaman. He is a part and parcel of God. He is not a Christian. He is not a Hindu. He is simply thinking like that.
- When one sees only to the spiritual existence of a living entity, there is question of seeing equally, equal vision, universal brotherhood. That is possible. Not on the bodily platform. That is not possible.
- Equal vision to all living entities that the self, that active principle, is working in the fish, in the insect, within the tree, within the plant, within the animals, within the birds and within me. This is self-realization.
Exemplars of Equality
Śrīla Prabhupāda points to great personalities to illustrate this concept. He mentions King Rantideva, who saw the Supreme Lord in everyone and therefore never distinguished between a brāhmaṇa and a śūdra. He also acknowledges St. Francis for his spiritual understanding of animals. Even Lord Kṛṣṇa Himself demonstrates this equality; in pictures, He is seen embracing not only the gopīs but also the calves.
- Rantideva did not distinguish between one living being and another. He perceived the presence of the Lord both in the brahmana and in the candala. This is the true vision of equality, as confirmed by the Lord Himself in Bhagavad-gita.
- Explained in the Bhagavad-gita. Panditah sama-darsinah (BG 5.18): "One who is pandita, learned, his vision is equal." So if St. Francis was thinking like that, that is highest standard of spiritual understanding.
- Pandita, one who is learned, he is sama-darsinah, equal vision. Krsna has equal vision. That picture, Krsna, He's embracing the calf. He is not only embracing the gopis, but He is embracing the calf also, cows also.
Active Compassion
Equal vision is not a passive state of observation; it motivates the devotee to act for the welfare of all. Śrīla Prabhupāda states that the perfection of this vision is to work towards getting all living entities back home, back to Godhead. By seeing every being as a servant of God, the devotee tries to revive that original consciousness in everyone.
- The equal vision of the devotee is that he works to get all living entities back home, back to Godhead.
- One attains the purest stage of equal vision when one ceases to take into consideration the outer covering of the soul, the body, but rather is established in the soul's innate nature of serving the Lord.
Conclusion
True equality is impossible to achieve through material legislation or social adjustment. It is a byproduct of spiritual realization. When one understands that the Paramātmā (Supersoul) is present in every body, one naturally develops respect and compassion for all creatures. This sama-darśana is the foundation of a peaceful and enlightened society.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Equal Vision. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.