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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 sitting in inhabited areas. … Final ruling “‘I will lower my eyes while sitting in inhabited areas,’ this is how you should train.” One should lower one’s eyes while sitting in an inhabited area, looking a plow’s length ahead. If a monk, out of disrespect, looks here and there while sitting 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 eighth training rule is finished.