These words immediately bring to mind the image of three monkeys - one is covering his eyes, another is covering his ears and the third one has hands over his mouth.  It is a very cute image connected to a simple saying which carries an important message.

What you see with your eyes leaves a tremendous impact on the mind.  Ajamil was a pious man who changed for the worse after witnessing a lustful embrace between a man and a woman.  Despite all his efforts, Ajamil could not erase the image from his mind.  Base thoughts consumed him to such an extent that he left his wife and children to live with the woman who was a prostitute.

What you hear also affects the mind greatly.  Words are very powerful.  Within them lies the capacity to heal or injure.  Words can inspire or demoralize.  They can lift spirits or send a person in a downward spiral.  Do not listen to words that agitate your mind.  Walk away from those who gossip constantly, see faults in everyone and have nothing good to say about anyone.  Protect your mind, as it is easily influenced by the words you hear.

Speak sparingly and sweetly.  Just as you are influenced by the words of others, others are also influenced by the words you speak.  If you have been granted the privilege of speaking, you have also been given the responsibility of helping and healing others through your words.  

Take care not to see, hear or speak evil. 

Yours,

Didi Ji