Lzh Mi Bu Vb Sk 38Lowered Eyes (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu
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EXPOSITION OF THE DUTIYAOKKHITTACAKKHU SUTTA
Refined Vision — Lowering the Eyes (Second Time)
Background
This sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Pāli Canon, specifically to the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the detailed rules governing the conduct of bhikkhus. The content concerns lessons on discipline and proper demeanor within the monastic community.
The original title “Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu” (Dutiya = second time; okkhitta = lowered, humble; cakkhu = eye) reflects a fundamental principle in the Buddha-Dharma: restraint of the sense faculties (indriya samvara). This is not an independent sutta, but part of a series of teachings on practice given by the Buddha to his renunciant disciples.
In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, the lessons on “lowering the eyes” (okkhittacakkhu) remind bhikkhus that they must guard the doors of the senses so as not to be drawn along by desire. This is the foundation of vigilant practice (appamāda), a precious jewel among the teachings of the Buddha-Dharma.
Main Content
This sutta illustrates the principle that practitioners must always be aware of how sensation is received through the eyes. It is not that the senses themselves are bad, but that the way we use them can lead to suffering. When the eye meets form (rūpa), craving (lobha), aversion (dosa), or delusion (moha) easily arise if the mind has not been trained.
“Lowering the eyes” here does not mean merely casting the eyes down to the ground, but lowering indulgence in desires that arise through the visual path. A bhikkhu must maintain the posture of walking, sitting, and standing with dignity, not allowing the eyes to wander after attractive images. This is an expression of “guarding the sense doors” (indriyesu guttadvāro), protecting the doors of the senses.
The sutta also emphasizes that this practice is not a harsh restriction, but a way to free the mind from domination. The bhikkhu understands that every sense faculty, when used mindfully, is an instrument for seeing clearly the fleeting and impermanent (anicca) nature of phenomena.
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