How can we utilize the various ideas that we learned concerning Shmirat Einayim to serve Hashem with great joy?
The Arizal once revealed that the lofty spiritual levels he attained and the esoteric knowledge that he received were the result of his great happiness in serving Hashem.
All the mitzvot that we perform connect us to the infinite and pleasurable wellspring of Hashem's abundant blessings. Each effort we make to control our eyes is the fulfillment of an important mitzvah. Therefore, every time we control our eyes we link ourselves to the ultimate benefit as well as eternal reward. The greater our awareness of the eternal blessings flowing upon us with each mitzvah that we do, the greater happiness, delight, and joy we will experience.
We have completed the guidebook, Windows of the Soul. Now we have the wisdom, tools, and confidence to master our eyes.
For sure, now that we have many "tools in our toolbox," we have a great assortment of highly effective ways to control our eyes. Now you can "score many points" each time that you utilize one of the techniques that we have learned. We have the power now to convert each visual challenge into a great resource of spiritual growth, holiness, blessing, and reward.
The Ramchal wrote in Mesilat Yesharim (Introduction): "The benefit of this book is not gained by reading it one time, for it is possible that the reader won't find many ideas that he didn't already know. Rather the benefit from the book is gleaned from review and consistent study. In this way, the study of the book will remind him of concepts that are naturally forgotten by people. And he will remember his obligations which may have eluded him."
Mastery of the eyes requires reviewing the laws and consistent study of the pertinent topics. Therefore, keep the book with you and go through it periodically. Now that you know much of the ideas, you might prefer to read the book straight through in a few sittings. Or perhaps, turn to key parts that address the specific issues at hand.
In addition, you can study the book with a partner or ask your Rabbi to give a class on Shmirat Einayim, using the sources of his choice.
"The creation of man was for his ultimate existence in the World to Come. Therefore, Hashem endowed him with a precious soul. With his soul he is able to serve Hashem and to receive his eternal reward in its right time and place. Therefore, the existence of the soul in this world is beloved and pleasant to the soul." (Mesilat Yesharim, Man's Duty in his World):
Each word of Torah study, each second of contemplation and each effort we make to control our eyes will uplift and sanctify us. There is no greater joy than attaining holiness and purity!
May Hashem bless your efforts to master your eyes. May our collective effort to serve Hashem awaken great mercy in Heaven, so that we merit seeing the redemption of Klal Yisrael and the restoration of the Shechinah to the Kodesh HaKadashim.
"May Yisrael rejoice in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King." (Tehillim 149:2)
These e-mails are excerpts taken from the book "Windows of the Soul" by Rabbi Zvi Miller of the Salant Foundation.