Yogi: May I open my eyes during the sit?

Sayadaw: Yes, I prefer that yogis meditate with their eyes open because in daily life you cannot close your eyes all the time. If you want to practice in daily life, you should practice with your eyes open.

Many yogis need to close their eyes because of samatha practice – they want one-point concentration, other objects they don’t want to know. This is samatha idea, but you don’t need to close your eyes with vipassana idea.

We need to be skilful in using all our sense doors when we meditate.

When I ask yogis to meditate, they all close their eyes. When they close their eyes, they can be aware; but they are not used to being aware with the eyes open.

Remember that meditation is the work of the mind, not the eyes.