Torah 128 · תורה קכ״ח

The Talmud states regarding the evil inclination of sin, i.e., of sexual desire: They blinded its eyes and let it go (Yoma 69b). We see therefore that even though the eyes of the evil inclination of immorality have been blinded, it remains.

This corresponds to that which occasionally happens to people who are somewhat virtuous. Because the fear of God has touched his heart, a person lowers his eyes and does not stare at women. Nevertheless, he sneaks a peek and takes a sidelong glance.

This is the meaning of “blinded its eyes,” of the inclination: he blinds the eyes of the evil inclination which wants to stare. He blinds its eyes by preventing himself from staring. Nevertheless, the evil inclination remains, because he surreptitiously takes a sidelong glance.