Meaning of Sanpaku Eyes (Superstitions and Omens)

During my theology college days, I was deeply fascinated and intrigued by people with sanpaku eyes. That is because I once found an interesting read about the superstitions surrounding people with sanpaku eyes.

To satisfy my curiosity, I decided to research the subject. For my research, I read many books and texts in the college library (both physical and from the Internet), which could shed more light on sanpaku eyes.

From the several weeks spent on research, I was able to form informed conclusions and opinions on the matter of sanpaku eyes and all its related beliefs. Recently, during a class at the local community college where I teach theology, my students broke into a debate about sanpaku eyes.

Some argued that sanpaku eyes were special or even supernatural, while others believed there was nothing extraordinary about these eyes. The students turned to me as the lecturer to help settle the debate.

Armed with the findings and conclusions from my earlier research on sanpaku eyes while in college, I knew I was the right person to educate them. So, what is the meaning of sanpaku eyes?

Although the Bible does not mention sanpaku eyes, some people believe these eyes indicate impending doom for the owner. They believe people with sanpaku eyes will likely experience tragedy and disaster. Others believe that people with sanpaku eyes have poor control over their emotions and actions, which is why they do bad things.

I invite you to join me in this article as I discuss sanpaku eyes, the superstitions surrounding these eyes, and more. Keep reading for more information.

What are Sanpaku Eyes?

Looking at the appearance of normal eyes, the white part (known as the Sclera) of the eye is visible only from the sides of the iris (the colored part). When the white part of the eye is visible below or above the iris, that is what is referred to as sanpaku eyes.

In Japanese, sanpaku means three; in the case of the eyes, it means that your eye-white can be seen from three points; the sides (left and right) and below the iris, or the sides and above the iris.

Sanpaku Eyes Types

Meaning of Sanpaku Eyes
Sanpaku Eyes Types. Image source: Freepik

There are two types of sanpaku eyes, lower and upper sanpaku.

Upper sanpaku (sanpaku above)

Also known as the yang sanpaku, this is when the eye-white is visible above the colored part or iris. The iris moves downwards, leaving a space for the white part of the eye to be seen above it.

Some believe yang sanpaku indicates dangerous people who will destroy themselves and others. Unlike the yin sanpaku, which invites danger from the outside, yang sanpaku is believed to be dangerous from the inside.

Among the people believed to have had yang sanpaku, and hence their violent tendencies, was Charles Manson, a man believed to have been extremely violent and caused the deaths of many people.

Lower sanpaku (sanpaku below)

Also called the yin sanpaku, it is when the white part of the eye is visible below the colored part, the iris. The iris moves upwards, so there is space for the eye-white to be seen below.

Some people believe that this is the most common of the sanpaku eyes. It is mostly associated with those who are into substance abuse, like drugs. People who have yin sanpaku are believed to suffer harm from external forces.

In other words, the danger comes from things that can be avoided. According to the book You Are All Sanpaku by George Ohsawa, people like John Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln are said to have had yin sanpaku. They are believed to have invited harm into their own lives.

How are sanpaku eyes different from normal eyes?

According to experts, the significant difference between sanpaku and normal eyes is their appearance. For normal eyes, the white part of the eye is only seen on the sides of the colored part, the iris.

In sanpaku eyes, the white part is seen on the sides, below, or above the iris. That means the eye-white is more visible for people with sanpaku eyes than those with normal eyes.

What are the superstitions around the sanpaku eyes?

Meaning of Sanpaku Eyes 
What are the superstitions around the sanpaku eyes? Image source: Pixabay

The many myths and superstitions surrounding sanpaku eyes were propagated and explained by a Japanese, George Ohsawa. The beliefs relied heavily on face reading, a common practice in Japan. Since then, the following are some of the beliefs and superstitions around sanpaku eyes:

  • Fate. Some people believe that those with sanpaku eyes control their fates and destinies. They believe that the future of a person with sanpaku eyes is already determined and that it is upon the individual to change it. To the believers of sanpaku eyes, it is easy to tell how a person with sanpaku eyes will end up.
  • Death. Some people believe that those with sanpaku eyes will die tragically. The tragic deaths are also believed to occur when the victims are young or in their prime. Believers of this myth try to explain it with the deaths of prominent people like Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe, some of the people believed to have had sanpaku eyes and died tragic deaths at the prime of their lives. The leading proponent of this myth, George Ohsawa, claimed that he foretold the death of John Kennedy.
  • Curse. There are those who believe people with sanpaku eyes are cursed. That is because they believe that since the normal eye structure is distorted, it will lead to the distortion of one’s life. They believe that people with sanpaku will experience misfortune all through their lives.
  • Physical imbalance. Some people believe that sanpaku eyes are caused by a general body imbalance. The proponents of this myth believe that sanpaku eyes appear on those who abuse drugs to warn them of impending doom if they don’t change their ways.
  • Reincarnation. There are those who believe that those with sanpaku eyes are people who did many wrong and evil things in their past lives and hence have been given a second chance to change their ways. To these people, the sanpaku eyes remind them of what they did in their previous lives and why they should live better lives.
  • The power of the gods. Some people believe that those with sanpaku eyes are favored and receive greater blessings from the gods. The proponents of this myth give examples of past celebrities (like John Kennedy and Princess Diana) who were known to be rich and enjoyed prosperity.

How can you tell you have sanpaku eyes?

If you wish to know if you have sanpaku eyes, the easiest way is to look at your reflection in the mirror. Look at your eyes as normally as possible, then determine how much eye-white you can see.

If you have sanpaku eyes, the eye-white will be visible above or below the colored part, the iris, and the sides. If your eyes are normal, you will only see the eye-white on the sides.

However, note that sanpaku eyes can also be caused by medical conditions. In this case, you can consult an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis.

There are also some other unproven ways that are believed to indicate the presence of sanpaku eyes. For example, if your eyes are almond-shaped, if there is a colored rim around your pupils, if your iris has no white, etc.

Can sanpaku eyes be scientifically explained?

In scientific medical terms, sanpaku eyes are referred to as scleral show. It is explained as a condition whereby the white part of the eye can be seen above or below the colored part, the iris.

Scientifically, there are many causes of the scleral show, including:

  • Genetics. Scientists believe that scleral show can be inherited from parents. If inherited, sanpaku eyes will be visible from a very young age.
  • Unbalanced hormones in the body.
  • Trauma to the eye.
  • Eye diseases like thyroid eye disease.
  • Lifestyle. Those taking medications or using drugs.

Is there any spiritual meaning to sanpaku eyes?

Meaning of Sanpaku Eyes 
Is there any spiritual meaning to sanpaku eyes? Image source: Pixabay

Even though the Bible does not mention the sanpaku eyes, some people have developed spiritual beliefs about them. Examples are:

  • Increased self-awareness. Some people believe that those with sanpaku eyes are more self-aware. Although these people may sometimes be lost in the chaos of everyday lives, the sanpaku eyes will remind them of their true selves.
  • Different from others. There are those who believe that sanpaku eyes serve to remind their owners of how different they are from normal people. It is a constant reminder that they are on different paths and should keep doing whatever they do until the end. They should never give up.
  • Unique abilities. Some people believe that sanpaku eyes remind their owners about some unique abilities they possess. It is believed that they should find ways to awaken these abilities and use them for good purposes.
  • Live well. There are those who believe that sanpaku eyes are a constant reminder to their owners that they should live good lives. Just like in the superstitions, the owners of sanpaku eyes are believed to have been bad people in a previous life, and hence they are given a second chance to make right their wrongs.
  • Psychic abilities. Some people believe that sanpaku eyes guide their owners whenever they are confused or do not know what to do. They believe these eyes act as useful guides in times of crisis.
  • Stability in life. There are those who believe that sanpaku eyes give their owners stability whenever they falter in life. For example, the sanpaku eyes remind them to maintain calm whenever they get mad at something.
  • Bright future. There are those who believe people with sanpaku eyes are destined for greatness. They believe these people will become important and influential figures in the future.

Should I be worried about sanpaku eyes?

Experts believe that sanpaku eyes are nothing to worry about. They believe that even the ones caused by medical conditions will not threaten you. However, if you are worried about your appearance, you can have corrective procedures to rectify the problem.

Regarding the superstitions and beliefs surrounding sanpaku eyes, you should not trust anything but God. Remember, Proverbs 3:5-6 says all your trust should be kept in the Lord. He is in charge of your life.

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