Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Sk 22Lowered Eyes (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu
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Explanation of the Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu Sutra (Lowering the Eyes for the Second Time)
Background
The Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu Sutra is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection preserved most completely in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. These are disciplinary regulations issued by the Buddha to guide the Sangha and help his disciples progress in practice. This sutra specifically concerns a rule of conduct for renunciants, especially related to restraint of the senses, one of the foundational elements of Buddhist practice.
In the historical context, the Buddha often issued disciplinary instructions when problems arose in the Sangha. Bhikṣus, renunciant monks, needed to maintain dignity and focus their minds on the path of liberation. Thus each Vinaya sutra carries a clear educational and guiding purpose.
Main Content
The Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu Sutra concerns the principle of "okkhittacakkhu," meaning "eyes cast down" or "lowered gaze" (indriyasamvara). This is not merely a physical action, but an expression of sense restraint and mental discipline in daily activities.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, bhikṣus are required to practice indriya-control, restraining the five senses: eye, ear, nose, tongue, and body. "Lowering the gaze" or looking downward is a concrete practice for avoiding visual distractions. When walking or working, a bhikṣu should keep the eyes directed about six steps ahead, instead of letting them wander about to observe unnecessary things.
The second time (dutiya) in the title may indicate that this is a repeated reminder or a second specific case recorded. The specific content of this sutra has not been fully translated in widely available modern translations, but according to the general context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, it affirms the principle that renunciants need to practice sense restraint as an indispensable part of Dharma practice, helping the mind not to be scattered by external stimuli.
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