What your grandmother never told you about the evil eye... The evil eye, also known in Hebrew as the ayin hara, is usually seen as a mysterious external force, lurking around, waiting to pounce on innocent victims. Some of us are familiar with phrases such as bli ayin hara or k'nayna hara, which are said in an attempt to ward off the influence of the evil eye. Other protective measures against the evil eye include the wearing of special amulets or visits to those who perform various practices using oil, mercury or eggs in an attempt to shatter the effects of the evil eye. On the other hand, many of us understandably relegate any discussion about the evil eye to superstition and irrationality. However, there is another dimension to the story of the evil eye, which can dramatically transform our relationship to others and the world in general.
The evil eye is synonymous with greediness, not being satisfied with one's portion, jealousy and begrudging others their good fortune. Someone who has an evil eye possesses these attributes as part of their personality. These characteristics can be manifested in a person quite openly, or sometimes in a much more hidden and subtle way. The potential damaging influence arises when someone who harbors these types of feelings against us, looks upon us, or our good fortune, including our children and our possessions. The negative force only has power over that which can actually be seen by the physical eye. This is one of the reasons that it can actually be a blessing to not be so noticeable in the public eye.
But wait... before you start glancing nervously over your shoulder, let's tun this entire idea upside down. Rebbe Nachman writes that we have to pray a lot in order to be saved from the evil eye (Likutey Moharan 54). Which evil eye? Our own evil eye! Here is the secret principle: The evil eye only has power over us to the extent that we ourselves have the evil eye. According to Rebbe Nachman, there are two types of evil eye. The first type of evil eye is when we see our friend enjoy some elevation or greatness and wish it wasn't so. The second type is when we have an evil or begrudging eye towards anything else about our friend. The remedy for this potentially harmful situation is to develop a good eye, an ayin tova, towards everyone. This means sincerely wishing the best for them at all times, and being genuinely happy for their success.
Rebbe Nachman does point out that one also needs to pray a great deal in order to be saved from the evil eye of another, yet the primary responsibility for avoiding the evil eye lies with ourselves. If we feel that we don't have the strength to withstand the evil eye of someone else, for whatever reason, we should stay clear of that person until we have strengthened the power of our own good eye. Rebbe Nachman also teaches another benefit to a good eye: By finding merit, in even a wicked person, one is saved from the evil eye. This means not engaging at all in the negativity of another who wishes you harm. Respond only positively and pleasantly, emphasizing the good point that can be found in anyone or any situation. Respond to a curse with a blessing, no matter what! Then, the bad has absolutely nothing to grab and hold onto. This brings good into the world, subduing and eventually eliminating the bad completely.
Some of us may still insist on using amulets and other practices aimed at breaking the influence of someone else's evil eye upon us, but we need to be aware that, at best, the relief will only be temporary if we don't develop the power of our own good eye. By developing the power of our good eye through a little effort and revision of our habitual responses, we can shift our whole outlook towards the world and those around us. We have the ability to be channels for good to flow into the world; it all depends upon our desire. Not only can we wish good for others, but we can actually pray to God that the entire Creation itself be successful (Rav Ephraim Kenig). In this way, we are restored as partners with God to repair and heal the world.
TZADDIK Magazine archive, Chanukah 5760 / 1999
BEAUTIFUL!! May we all merit to daven for ourselves and our own ability to have a good eye!!
Posted by: yoni | Sunday, November 29, 2009 at 02:38 PM
great post, thank you!
Posted by: rivkah | Monday, November 30, 2009 at 10:27 PM
So good to read... thank you for your service to all
Posted by: shoshanah rhine | Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 05:14 AM
Blessings. please explain to me how i can subscribe to your lessons and on line tzaddik. thanks.
Posted by: THERESA | Thursday, January 07, 2010 at 09:53 AM
theresa, thanks for writing. you can enter your email address in the subscribe box above and you will be notified via email of any new content added to the site.
Posted by: breslevtsfat | Friday, January 08, 2010 at 01:44 AM
Blessings. please explain to me how i can subscribe to your lessons and on line tzaddik. thanks.
Posted by: cheap louis vuitton outlet | Friday, October 07, 2011 at 07:58 AM