San Mg Bu Pm Sk 4Lowered Eyes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Okkhittacakkhu
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The Sutta on Respectful Bearing (Okkhittacakkhu - Lowered Eyes)
Background
The Sutta on Respectful Bearing is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Sutta Vibhaṅga of the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha. This text reflects instructions on proper character and conduct that the Buddha taught to bhikkhus in the Sangha community.
Unlike the suttas in the Sutta Piṭaka, which focus on transcendent teachings, the Vinaya Piṭaka consists of rules that form the ethical foundation for the training life. This sutta specifically turns around the most practical aspect of cultivation: how a bhikkhu should conduct himself in daily activity, especially in restraining the sense faculties, beginning with the eyes. Its contents arise from specific situations witnessed by the Buddha or from reports of inappropriate conduct by bhikkhus.
Main Content
Okkhittacakkhu is translated as “eyes lowered” or “looking downward.” This sutta emphasizes that a blessed bhikkhu should remain within what is appropriate when looking straight ahead or looking around. Specifically, a practitioner should restrain his gaze and should not let his eyes wander mindlessly or greedily.
This principle arises from a deep understanding of how the sense faculties affect the mind. According to the Buddha-Dharma, the eye is one of the six doors of perception (saḷāyatana). When the eyes are allowed to wander freely, especially in solitary circumstances or when passing through areas where outsiders are present, the eyes can easily be stirred by unwholesome states (akusala dhammā). From greedy, agitated, or deluded looking, impure thoughts may arise, leading in turn to actions that diminish moral integrity.
This sutta is not an absolute prohibition but a practical recommendation (anuggaha). When walking along the road, a bhikkhu should keep his eyes lowered, usually about six hand-spans (kira) before his feet. When it is necessary to look around to avoid danger, or for another legitimate purpose, this is permitted.
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