Lzh Sarv Bu Pm 2 Sk 13Lowered Eyes (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu
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SCRIPTURE ON LOWERING THE EYES (THE SECOND)
Context
The second Scripture on Lowering the Eyes (Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Four-Part Vinaya of the Early Buddhist tradition. These are disciplinary regulations (Vinaya) for bhikkhus, those who have gone forth to study the Buddha's path. The Vinaya Piṭaka is regarded as the most detailed collection concerning the actions, speech, and events in the life of Buddha Śākyamuni and his early disciples.
This scripture was taught in the context of the Buddha organizing the community of monks and nuns, establishing rules to govern the monastery and help practitioners train in a pure and orderly way of life. These regulations are not for punishment, but to create conditions for liberation from sensual desires, cravings, and disturbances of mind.
Main Content
The second Scripture on Lowering the Eyes reminds bhikkhus of the importance of restraining the senses, especially the eye, the faculty that receives forms. "Lowering the eyes" (okkhittacakkhu) is not meant to avoid light or to look fearfully, but is a purposeful act of mindfulness: not allowing the eyes to run after alluring forms, and not allowing the mind to be swept into sights that give rise to craving.
The Dhammapada says that lowering the eyes, restraining the eyes, restraining the ears, and restraining the nose are qualities of those who truly practice. When a bhikkhu lowers his eyes, he is practicing indriyasaṃvara, restraint of the sense faculties. This is the foundation of sīla, the discipline and morality of one who has gone forth.
This regulation is not limited merely to not looking at women, but includes avoiding distracting conduct: not peering, not looking with greed, and not letting the gaze become a gateway for craving or anger. Attention and awareness of what the eyes see become a step in training the mind, helping it become clear and not governed by ignorant desires.
Practical Meaning
To understand the practical meaning of this scripture, one must recognize that the eye is the first gateway of craving.
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