Direct seeing

Direct seeing (pratyaksha) is the immediate perception of reality without the mediation of concepts, interpretations, or preferences. It is often described in Zen as seeing mountains as mountains—not as symbols, memories, or judgments, but simply as they are.

This seeing is not a special state but our natural condition, obscured by habitual thinking. A bird does not analyze the branch before landing; a cat does not philosophize about the mouse. Direct seeing is this immediacy applied to all experience.

The famous Zen saying "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water" points to this simplicity. Nothing needs to change except the removal of mental overlay. When concepts drop away, reality shines as it always has.

Throughout daily life, practice dropping into direct perception. See the color of the sky without naming it "blue." Hear sounds without labeling them. Feel sensations without story. This is not about suppressing thought but about noticing the pure perception that precedes it.

The main obstacle is trying to see directly—the effort itself adds a layer. Another is believing that direct perception is a special attainment rather than our ordinary state uncovered. Also, the mind constantly tries to label and categorize; simply notice this tendency without struggle.