Not lowering the eyes (PLI-TV-BU-VB-SK7)

Theravāda Collection on Monastic Law

The Great Analysis

The chapter on training

The subchapter on evenly all around

Not lowering the eyes

Origin story

At one time the Buddha was staying at Sāvatthī in the Jeta Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s Monastery.

At that time the monks from the group of six were looking here and there while walking in inhabited areas. …

Final ruling

“‘I will lower my eyes while walking in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.”

One should lower one’s eyes while walking in an inhabited area, looking a plow’s length ahead.

If a monk, out of disrespect, looks here and there while walking in an inhabited area, he commits an offense of wrong conduct.

Non-offenses

There is no offense:

if it is unintentional;

if he is not mindful;

if he does not know;

if he is sick;

if there is an emergency;

if he is insane;

if he is the first offender.

The seventh training rule is finished.