Lzh Mi Bu Pm Sk 38Lowered Eyes (2nd)

The Lowered Eyes Sutta (Second) — Exposition

Background

The Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu Sutta (Lowered Eyes, Second) is a text belonging to the Vinaya Pitaka, where the rules of practice and discipline of the Buddhist Sangha are recorded. In its historical context, these regulations concerning bodily, verbal, and mental actions were issued by the Buddha to help disciples maintain purity, avoid harmful actions, and build a firm ethical foundation for the life of practice.

The title “Lowered Eyes” (okkhittacakkhu) refers to a basic posture or attitude in the practice of the Buddha-Dharma: lowering the eyes or restraining the gaze, that is, controlling the senses, especially sight. The second version of this text shows that the Buddha at one point reaffirmed or expanded this principle in different situations, in order to help students understand more clearly how to apply it.

Main Content

According to the Theravāda tradition, this text concerns the practice of guarding the sense doors (indriyasamvara), one of the foundations of the Noble Eightfold Path. Lowering the eyes, not allowing the gaze to wander unconsciously, is a concrete expression of mindfulness (sati) and clear comprehension (sampajañña).

The eye is regarded as the first “door” of feeling. When we do not restrain sight, attractive or frightening sights give rise to unwholesome mental states such as greed, hatred, and delusion. The Buddha taught that lowering the eyes, not deliberately seeking stimulating or distracting images, is an essential practice for those who wish to grow in concentration and insight.

The second instance (dutiya) may indicate that the Buddha repeated or clarified this principle from another aspect, such as its application in specific circumstances: while walking, while sitting, or while interacting with others. This reflects the Buddha’s method of teaching: not merely stating a theory once, but repeating and illustrating it from many angles so that disciples may grasp it deeply.