If we see only what we are shown, we never grow in our capacity to think deeply. Conversely, if we never see the things that are shown to us, we fail to develop the ability to think directly or systematically. True growth in our thinking ability comes when we can see both—what is shown and what is not shown. This dual capacity enables us to think both critically and deeply.

Vision is a primary guide for how we perceive and decide. Yet, the world often influences and controls what we see—be it through society, culture, media, or government. This control, however, isn’t always ill-intentioned. Parents, teachers, and mentors often show us selected things so that we can focus our attention, learn systematically, and develop analytical skills. They help us avoid being overwhelmed by too much information at once by progressively increasing what is revealed to us.

While learning to observe and analyze what is visible is critical, as we grow, we must also learn to question what is not visible. This involves asking why something is hidden, who might benefit from concealing it, and what implications arise from this invisibility. This ability to infer and interpret unseen realities is a hallmark of true knowledge.

The Bhagavad Gita (15.10) refers to this capacity as the “eyes of knowledge.” True understanding begins by attentively observing what is shown, developing the ability to think critically, and then progressing to discern what lies beyond the visible. This progression mirrors how education works incrementally, starting with the tangible and leading to the intangible.

For instance, appreciating a simple meal involves not just enjoying the taste but recognizing the hard work of farmers, transporters, cooks, and nature’s gifts. Taking this reflection deeper, one sees the invisible hand of the divine orchestrating these provisions. Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita (10.41) reminds us that everything attractive in this world reflects the spark of Krishna’s supreme attractiveness. Observing the beauty or charm of specific things in this world can lead us to infer their divine source.

Summary:

  • Observing what is shown to us is the first step in developing our thinking ability.
  • As we grow, we must critically analyze what is not shown, questioning motivations and implications.
  • Ultimately, this process enables us to think deeply, leading to spiritual insights such as perceiving the soul and the supreme soul.

Think it over:

  • How does learning to see what is shown improve our thinking ability?
  • When can seeing only what is shown hinder our thinking?
  • Reflect on a time when you perceived something beyond what was shown to you. How did that deeper perception impact your life?

***

15.10 The foolish cannot understand how a living entity can quit his body, nor can they understand what sort of body he enjoys under the spell of the modes of nature. But one whose eyes are trained in knowledge can see all this.