Prasang 33

Discipline of the Eyes

In the year Samvat 1869, a severe famine struck the region of Kāthiāwād. To ease the suffering, Shriji Maharaj sent Muktānand Swami along with 200 swamis to Surat. Among these swamis was Gunatitanand Swami.

Opposite the swamis’ lodging, in a dilapidated house, someone had tied up a mischievous monkey. Due to its restless movements, almost everyone’s gaze naturally fell upon it.

One night, during kathā, Muktānand Swami addressed the swamis, “See how restless our senses are! They are constantly deceiving us. Across from us, there is a monkey. We have no reason to look at it, yet none of us could refrain from glancing at it. Whoever has not seen the monkey, please stand up.”

Hearing this, all the swamis were stunned! Among the 200 swamis, only Gunatitanand Swami stood up with folded hands. Seeing this, Muktānand Swami was deeply astonished and exclaimed, “Out of 200 swamis, you alone have mastered control over your sight! Even my own eyes were drawn to that monkey.”

Even though the Gunatit Satpurush is eternally enlightened, he still behaves as an ideal seeker to provide us with a perfect example of spiritual practice.

Control over one’s sight strengthens one’s discipline in the path of spirituality. It awakens inner spiritual energy, helps the mind remain focused, and most importantly, deepens our connection with Swamishri.

When we look at our Guru, a subtle self-introspection should arise within us:

Do I have the same restraint over my sight?

Do my eyes ever cross the boundaries of discipline?

Would Swamishri be pleased if I fail in this vow?

Answering these questions honestly reveals our true spiritual state.

Always remember—whether our eyes are on the Guru or not, the Guru’s eyes are always upon us. Nothing remains hidden from the Omniscient One. Even this simple awareness helps cultivate discipline over one’s sight.