Have you ever met someone (or maybe yourselves) who is, in general terms, a good buddhist but still clings to the samsaric pleasure of sex?
What are your thoughts about Buddhist precepts on sex?
2007-01-25 05:52:42 · 8 answers · asked by G 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sex as a natural expression of love for your partner isn't a problem for Buddhists but constantly seeking sexual gratification for the pleasure of it would be against the moral precepts of Buddhism.
2007-01-25 05:59:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no such thing as a "good" Buddhist or a "bad" Buddhist. You're defined as Buddhist IF YOU AGREE WITH THE FOLLOWING (emphasis, I'm not shouting at you):
1. All things are impermanent and nothing is permanent
2. All emotions bring pain and suffering and no emotion is inherently pleasurable
3. All phenomena are illusory and arise due to causes and conditions
4. Enlightenment is beyond concepts
People are people and are individuals along the Dharma path... we do not, nor should we judge the progress of anyone else's path but our own since we don't have a crystal ball to insure "intent".
Having said that... Buddhism is about working towards cultivating altruism and wisdom on the path to enlightenment, as you progress some things lose their "fizz" (so to speak) in popularity or "importance" in life, (for example I no longer have the attachments to various things most people find "important") and it happens by DEFAULT, one should NEVER force themselves... however if you go into a monastery BY CHOICE then you're expected to uphold your vows (per the Vinaya).
This hyper-focus on sex is a Western issue that should be tended to gently and with great compassion. If someone is not causing harm (bestiality, pedophilia, incest, etc.) then your sexuality is yours to yourself.
Hope that makes some sense... if you need further clarification, please feel free to ask. There are also tons of online resources available for the asking.
_()_
2007-01-25 14:10:05 · answer #2 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I became a Buddhist (although not a very good one, I guess!) after I had been married a good long time. For me, celibacy is not an option - but for those who can manage it, more power to them. I don't agree or disagree with anyone else's opinions on sex, I go my own way.
2007-01-25 14:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by laughingbadger01 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe Buddhism says anything about sex except maybe that it might be a distraction from your path to enlightenment. It is the Abrahamic religions that give us the idea that there is something wrong with sex.
2007-01-25 14:00:17 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
One of the 5 basic precepts of Buddhism is to abstain from sexual misconduct.
Thich Nhat Hanh expounds on this:
"Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct."
Of course, all this assumes you're a layperson. I believe sex is out if you decide to ordain.
2007-01-25 14:56:24 · answer #5 · answered by TomParrish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To suffer is to desire. The end suffering, one must end desire.
However, the species must reproduce. So, it should be meaningful sex.
2007-01-25 13:59:03 · answer #6 · answered by Blue 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God said be fruitful and multiply.There is no gray area.
2007-01-25 14:20:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i love me some good old dirty sex!! 706 393 5582
2007-01-25 13:58:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋