Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 12Lowered Eyes

Scripture on Lowered Eyes (Okkhittacakkhu)

Context

The Scripture on Lowered Eyes is part of the Vinaya Piṭaka, which records the rules of practice and ethical conduct for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs in the Buddhist Sangha. The Sarvāstivādin Vinaya has been transmitted in the Early Buddhist and Central Asian Buddhist traditions, and now survives in Sanskrit and Tibetan translations.

This scripture was taught by Buddha Śākyamuni for the purpose of guiding bhikkhus in cultivating purity of body, speech, and mind, the three fields of human action. Specifically, "lowering the eyes" (okkhittacakkhu), or keeping the eyes cast down, is not a prohibition against seeing, but guidance for cultivating mindfulness of sensation, restraint of the senses, and the development of mental concentration.

Main Content

In this scripture, the Buddha teaches bhikkhus that lowering the eyes, that is, not allowing the eyes to wander freely after attractive objects, is an important part of indriyasaṃvara, the restraint of the faculties or governance of the senses. This is not a lifeless way of living or a revulsion toward the world, but a mindful and intentional act.

When a monastic lowers the eyes, meaning that the range of vision is kept within a reasonable scope, mainly observing what lies before one at the natural distance of walking, the mind is not drawn away by beautiful, ugly, or neutral forms. This helps prevent the arising of craving (lobha), anger (dosa), and delusion (moha).

The scripture often links this act with other virtues, such as restraint of the tongue in speech, restraint of the body in movements, and restraint of the mind in thoughts. This combination forms a comprehensive system of training that helps the bhikkhu gradually move away from the bonds of the world and draw nearer to nirvana.

Practical Meaning

From the perspective of early practice, the Scripture on Lowered Eyes emphasizes a profound principle: liberation begins with small tasks, with the details of daily life.