Bi Sk 88. Not lowering the eyes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu
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Not Lowering the Eyes (Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu)
Background
This text belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically the section governing the conduct of bhikkhus in Theravāda Buddhism. The Vinaya Piṭaka was compiled to guide the monastic community in observing the ethical principles and disciplinary standards of communal religious life.
The Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu is found among the regulations pertaining to the behavioral conduct of bhikkhus, especially with regard to attentiveness and mindfulness in every action and every moment. The term "okkhittacakkhu" — meaning "eyes cast down" or "downward gaze" — is used in the Vinaya Piṭaka to denote a positive quality among the four methods of self-restraint (sīla) that bhikkhus must cultivate.
The historical context of this text originates from the foundational teachings of the Buddha, the Blessed One, given to his first venerable disciples when the monastic Saṅgha was being established. The regulations concerning restraint of the sense faculties (indriyasaṃvara) and dignity of deportment are regarded as the foundation of genuine practice.
Main Content
The Dutiyaokkhittacakkhu addresses the method of employing a "lowered gaze" consciously and wisely in the course of practice. Although the title of the text appears to carry a negative sense ("not lowering the eyes"), in the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka it refers to the circumstances in which a bhikkhu should or should not lower his eyes.
According to the general principles of Buddhist practice, the eyes are regarded as one of the six sense faculties (indriya) that must be restrained with mindfulness. When a bhikkhu lowers his eyes, it may be an expression of dignity, gentleness, or restraint in the face of external forms (rūpa). However, one should not lower the eyes in an excessively cautious or half-hearted manner, as this can lead to inattentiveness and a lack of full presence (sampajañña) in daily life.
The text teaches that restraint of the sense faculties must strike a balance between comprehensive vigilance and naturalness, free from rigidity.
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