7342 —שמירת העינים, לימוד חסידות, והנהגות יומיות לבן ישיבה

B"H, 22 Sivan, 5720. Brooklyn.

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from Tuesday, which was doubled with goodness, you ask about the matter of guarding the eyes.

It is understood that this topic does not belong in letters and there is no need for it, since these matters are explained in the Chassidic works of our Rebbeim, among them in Kuntres HaAvodah by the Rebbe Rashab of blessed memory, in addition to what is explained in mussar books. The same applies regarding other senses. The general idea is also understood from our Sages' saying that a blind person is considered as if dead; thus looking with one's eyes in a forbidden way is contrary to their purpose and is like being temporarily blind—if not worse. There is no need to elaborate on something so obvious.

I strongly hope—even though you do not mention it—that you have set times for studying Chassidus, as the great necessity of this is explained in Kuntres Etz Chaim by the Rebbe Rashab of blessed memory and this is also evident in practice. How much more so regarding a yeshiva student! These fixed times should obviously be every day and increased on Shabbos Kodesh—which is holy to G‑d—as explained in the writings of the Arizal.

It would be proper to have your tefillin checked and also that every weekday before morning prayers you set aside a few coins for charity.

Blessings for good news in all the above, in the name of the Rebbe shlita. Printed in Likkutei Sichos vol. 23 p. 363.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that guidance on guarding one's eyes and senses can be found in Chassidus and mussar texts. He emphasizes daily study of Chassidus—especially for yeshiva students—and recommends practical steps like checking tefillin and daily charity before prayer.