Dharma eye ［法眼］ ( hōgen): (1) One of the five types of vision. A bodhisattva is said to perceive the nature of all Buddhist teachings with the Dharma eye in order to save the people. The Dharma eye also indicates a bodhisattva’s clear perception of all phenomena.
  (2) An official rank within the priesthood. Such official ranks changed over time, the rank of the Dharma eye having been established in Japan in 864. While initially it defined a function or level of responsibility, later, as with other such ranks, it became a formality, conferred only as an honorific title.