How Can One See All Around and Hear in All Directions

In the waking state, consciousness discerns the dharmas as objects of mind among the six sense objects, with the continuous flow of seeds of consciousness being relatively dispersed. However, there remains a dominant orientation. To fully concentrate the flow on a single dharma, one must undergo training, such as cultivating concentration to attain concentration power. The deeper the concentration power, the more focused the flow becomes. Therefore, the Buddha taught us to cultivate concentration first and then engage in contemplative practice and meditation, as only then can we achieve results. Nevertheless, ordinary people cannot evenly distribute the seeds of consciousness across two or more dharmas as objects of mind; there is always a primary and a secondary focus. If one needs to discern several dharmas as objects of mind simultaneously, the attention of consciousness must constantly shift among them. For example, when walking on a road with heavy traffic and many pedestrians, consciousness must continuously discern the dharmas as objects of form, sound, and touch. Seeds of consciousness must flow to all three dharmas as objects of mind simultaneously, yet there remains a distinction between primary and secondary focus, with this relationship constantly shifting according to changes in the external environment.

The above explanation holds true for ordinary people, that is, for those without concentration, with little concentration, or who have not undergone special training. If one has been trained and possesses strong concentration power, even when discerning multiple realms simultaneously, they maintain concentration and can discern each clearly. Such a person is one who "can observe all directions and hear from all sides." Those with strong concentration power can handle several tasks simultaneously without issue, performing all well, as their energy remains highly focused on multiple tasks, allowing them to manage effectively. When the mind is well-trained, both concentration and wisdom become exceptionally strong; this is how it is.