Guard Your Eyes!

Do you want true protection from Ayin Hara (the Evil Eye)? How about marital peace? Respectful children? If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the above, read this article.

The eyes are the windows to the soul. The eyes are also the gateway to the heart. The heart often wants something which the mind knows is no good. Do you want proof? Go look at the lines for divorce. Ask the men and women on those lines to be honest with you, how many of them have ruined marriages because someone didn’t watch their eyes? Now ask them if it makes any sense. How could they throw away their marital relationship, a union that should last 120 years and is the foundation for an entire family, for something so fleeting and illusory? It doesn’t make sense, but the eye sees and the heart wants… the brain is then trapped in the backseat as desire drives the situation.

Don’t ever underestimate children. They notice when parents do not respect the sanctity of their relationship; children can sense that something is wrong. A part of the child’s soul is heavily affected by the sights and thoughts of a father or mother. Our sages teach that sometimes, a child has a subconscious difficulty in showing respect to a biological parent. This might stem from a parent’s betrayal in the marital relationship as well. A child’s body is the genetic expression of a physical marriage. Similarly, a child’s soul is the spiritual expression of a holy partnership. When any of the genes are in the wrong sequence or added to, G-d forbid, the body is affected. Our sages teach us that the same holds true for the child’s spiritual faculties.

The last point we will mention is protection against the evil eye. It is common to meet people who are always worried what others might think. Our sages teach us, however, that Hashem deals with the world measure for measure; every person’s circumstance is a reflection of their deeds. If we watch over our eyes and refrain from staring at what doesn’t belong to us, we are guaranteed that no one will be able cause harm to what is ours with their eyes. If a man doesn’t inappropriately stare at women, Hashem watches over what is his.

These teachings are especially pertinent during the summer months. The pleasant weather invites all kinds of tests and the relaxed atmosphere helps put our guard down. If we train ourselves to watch the eyes when temptation is strong, it will be all the easier to keep it up all year round. 

By Adam Suionov