What role does sex play in Buddhism?

Question

i.e. sex before marriage, homosexuality, adultrey etc.

Answer 1

Adultery would be wrong in Buddhism because it is dishonest and causes pain and harm to the spouses.

Sex before marriage is somewhat more complicated in that I have heard contradictory things from different people. Buddhism doesn't have a real stance on marriage, traditionally in Buddhist countries marriage was completely a legal or civil contract and nothing more, religion held no stance. Thus, the main thing in Buddhism that I have taken is that the relationship should be one where true love and committment exist. So Buddhism doesn't condone one night stands or hook ups. Mostly because this defies the concept of right conduct. Divorce is something that should be avoided if possible but if two people really can't live in love and peace together than it is not forbidden.

I have had someone strongly disagree with me that sex before marriage would be acceptable in Buddhism. From the western Buddhist that I have known though most are okay with it so long as a sincere bond and relationship exists between the people.

Homosexuality is generally accepted but there are some sects that are not accepting of homosexuality.

The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh wrote about the third mindfulness:

"Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning 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 committment. 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."

Answer 2

Often misconstrued, renunciation, according to Lama Je Tsong Khapa, in the extensive Lam Rim Chen Mo and in the more condensed Three Principal Aspects of the Path - is necessary for one to remove the afflictions preventing liberation (from the wheel of cyclic existence) and the obscurations (stains, or residue) preventing the omniscience of a buddha. Renunciation is the wish to definitely get out of cyclic existence for the benefit of all sentient beings - which is bodhicitta - the mind that aspires to enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. These two points are foundational to the third point - the view - that recognizes the selflessness of the person and phenomena. This is best understood through the subtle recognition of dependent origination - how an entity is devoid of intrinsic existence from its own side and does not exist separate from its designated collection. However, the two extremes of nihilism and eternalism should be avoided. This is done through understanding the Two Truths of appearance and emptiness(or, conventional and ultimate reality) which are coemergent. For further reference, I suggest that one interested in these topics study the Abhisamayalankara - Maitreya's Filigree of Realizations - which covers the 70 Topics, The Four Noble Truths and The Sixteen Characteristics of the Four Noble Truths. For an excellent exposition of these points, you could also pick up "Turning Adversity into Joy and Courage: The Thirty Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas" through Snow Lion books. Good luck!

Answer 3

Depends... Theravada or Maharana?

Actually I'm just picking holes.
The general gist of it is this: Sex isn't for the monks, though the layfolk are allowed to get on with it. However it is one of those things that ought to be set aside when attempting to seek enlightenment... as is the case for all worldly desires and whatnot. A Buddhist seeking enlightenment should put no import on things which are merely worldly and distracting from the way.

Answer 4

The most common fallacy is that you have to be celibate, this is only for monks/nuns. The only teaching is that you do not engage in irresponsible sexual behavior. To do so would cause you suffering and the other person. If you have honorable intentions there are no other 'rules'.

Answer 5

It plays a HUGE role. It's mandatory in that religion to have sex at least 10 times a day.

Answer 6

Buddha relinquished sex life in preference to attaining eternal happiness. His preachings also don't talk about sex.People are advised against over indulgence and relinquish sex as early as possible

Answer 7

PRO creation!
lmao @ the stupid buddhism, anyways!
actually lmao @ ALL religions! l o l

Here's the Solution:

Create a private, personal, direct, divine relationship with Our Creator and save your Soul from religion.

Only with Our Creator's Love and Peace will we be Truely Free!

Without God, there is No Love; Without religion, there are No Wars!

Answer 8

Who knows who cares. Jesus is the only way to the Father.