Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Dh Sk 23Lowered Eyes (2nd)

THE SUTTA ON LOWERED EYES (SECOND)

Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu — Vinaya Section

Background

The "Lowered Eyes" Sutta (Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu) appears in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, the most fundamental collection of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This text is part of the discipline regulating the conduct of bhikkhus, especially concerning how monastics should be diligent in guarding the faculties, particularly sight.

In the context of the Buddha's teaching, practitioners are encouraged to cultivate "indriyasaṁvara," the guarding of the faculties: eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind. This is not to reject sensation, but to avoid becoming caught in craving (taṇhā) and in unwholesome actions arising from fascination with sense objects.

This text especially emphasizes "lowering the eyes," a basic practice by which monastics do not let the gaze wander and avoid unnecessary stimulation from surrounding sights. This simple action, when practiced consciously, becomes a powerful tool for controlling the mind.

Main Content

This rule instructs bhikkhus in how to guard sight while moving about in daily life. According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a monastic should not let the eyes freely scan everywhere, especially in situations that may stir desire or scatter mindfulness.

"Lowered eyes" here does not mean bowing the head so low that one cannot live normally; rather, it is a mindful and conscious attitude in seeing. A monastic should look about one fathom ahead, not letting the eyes wander or seek stimulating sights. This applies when walking, sitting, and working.

This Vinaya rule reflects a basic principle: the mind follows the eye. If the eyes freely sweep around, the mind will also wander, easily becoming trapped in distraction, desire, or unwholesome thoughts. By guarding sight, the monastic protects the mind from disturbing factors.

This practice is regarded as "the method of the wise elders," a measure proven through many generations of practitioners.