San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Sk 22Lowered Eyes (2nd)
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu
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EXPLANATION OF THE SUTRA ON LOWERED EYES (THE SECOND TIME)
Background
The sutra Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu (Lowered Eyes the Second Time) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Theravada Pali Canon, focusing on rules concerning the attitude and conduct of bhikkhus within the community of practice. This sutra title appears among disciplinary rules related to the courteous conduct of the Buddha's disciples when interacting with elders and peers.
In the context of the Vinaya Pitaka, instructions on "lowering the eyes" do not simply mean looking down at the ground. This is a symbol of mindfulness, restraint of the faculties (indriya-samvaratā), and deep respect, which is the foundation of Buddhist virtue. This method is closely related to the development of concentration (samādhi) and the reduction of mental defilements such as greed, hatred, and delusion.
Main Content
This sutra emphasizes the subsequent responsibility within a sequence of conduct concerning emotional and sensory restraint. Lowering the eyes, directing the gaze downward at an appropriate distance and not turning about to look restlessly around, is one of the essential behaviors that bhikkhus need to cultivate daily.
From the perspective of Vinaya, this action is not merely a matter of outward solemnity. It is a tool of practice for restraining indriyagupta, the guarding of the faculties. When we do not allow the eyes to wander in search of stimulating objects (nimitta), we reduce the opportunity for craving, anger, or delusions to arise. This is why, in the Pātimokkha (Disciplinary Code) and the Sutta sections of the Pali Canon, lowering the eyes is listed as part of the "four parisuddhisila" (the four purities of virtue), the prerequisite condition for the cultivation of mind and wisdom.
This sutra also suggests that lowering the eyes is the sign of a monastic who has truly gone for refuge and is practicing. It distinguishes those who truly sow the seeds of purity from those who merely wear the outer form of the saffron robe.
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