Is masturbating and same sex marriage okay in buddhism?

Question

I found some articles in the net about this, and the Buddhism is the only religion that masturbating and same-sex marriage are both "blessed".

Answer 1

same sex-
Desire is desire (period). There is no such thing as “moral desire” vs. “immoral desire.” Some ignorant spiritual leaders tell their followers that lustful heterosexual desire is acceptable and moral, but any form of homosexual desire is wrong. Some spiritual leaders tell their followers that relationships and sex are solely intended for procreation. The vast majority of heterosexuals do not engage in sexual activity solely for procreation. It would be ridiculous for society to ban “heterosexual lust.” Therefore, gays and lesbians in committed relationships deserve the same rights as everyone else.

Some Buddhist commentaries list “oral and anal sex” as sexual misconduct. Sexual desire is obviously a mundane activity. It does not lead to enlightenment. However, it would be a grave error to chastise or criticize fellow practitioners for their private (and safe) sexual practices.

There are a few spiritual teachers who do not go around chastising heterosexuals for their sexual practices or high divorce rates. However, they will make all sorts of wild claims against gays and lesbians. They will claim that “gay marriage is the root of evil,” or they will claim that “if you’re gay, you’re going to be reborn as a Siamese twin.” Such statements have no support from the Buddha's teachings.

The original teachings of the Buddha do not cover marriage ceremonies or rituals. Weddings and marriages are regarded as mundane. Buddhism does not view marriage as a religious sacrament. Therefore, people are free to make their own responsible choices. Marriage in society should be based on civil laws and on equal protection, not based on the narrow interpretation of just one religion.

A lay buddhist should make always ask, "Is my conduct harming myself or others?" This is a crucial question. For example, if you engage in unprotected intercourse with an uncommitted partner, you are blatantly sowing bad karmic seeds.

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masturbation-
Any sexual activity done to the extreme can be come an addiction, masturbation included. The same goes for spending, eating, exercise, etc. The problem arises when a person comes to rely on it as their sole means of reducing dukkha. But like all addictions, the benefit is short-lived and the person enters into a cycle of temporary pleasure and lasting misery. (Kinda sounds like samsara).

"Sexual desire is common, one must break it, stopping sex till none" That sounds like the opposite of the middle path. I don't see any reason why masturbation would be different from any other sexual activity. There is no research whatsoever to show that it is harmful, but there is research to indicate that it is beneficial when done in a moderate healthy manner.

Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism, on the other hand, teaches that masturbation can actively be used to approach higher spiritual development.

There is an aspect of sex in Highest Yoga Tantra practice that is both symbolic as well as descriptive of the practice of using sexual intercourse to transform one's sexual energy into a blissful consciousness directed towards achieving enlightenment. This controlling and directing of one's sexual energies towards the greater goal of enlightenment is one of the central features of Vajrayana.

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All mammals have a sex drive and human beings are no different. If you are not going to become a celibate monk then you need to find a way to handle your animal instincts in a wholesome way.
Masturbation won't lead to enlightenment, but at the same time, it won't lead to hell either.

Also keep in mind that there is a big difference between pleasure and happiness. But it's not uncommon for us to confuse these two. In the long run, you need to supplant the pleasure that your mind is seeking through masturbation, with a wholesome form of happiness. The mind will not remain calm and still for long without some form of happiness. So consider not just meditation, but some forms of wholesome happiness that will take your mind and body into circumstances and conditions that will raise your happiness, help you make good kamma, and prevent the urge to masturbate.

Answer 2

Marriage is and always has been a matter of civil law! Whilst churches are allowed to carry out the service it must be in complete compliance with that law and any deviation or omission would make the marriage null and void and probably involve criminal offenses! HOMOPHOBIA: irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. Please note this is a psychiatric definition! Primitive religion has always lagged behind the improvement in moral attitudes and that is what these people are doing to Christianity – making it primitive! There were people who opposed the abolition of slavery, emancipation for women, the banning of discrimination of women, the attempts to eradicate racism and now the need to eradicate homophobia! Anglican leaders from around the world have clearly stated their opposition to the "victimization or diminishment" of gays and lesbians, saying demonizing and persecuting them was "totally against Christian charity and basic principles of pastoral care". "We say that no one should have to live in fear because of the bigotry of others." The Mormons poured millions into forcing through prop 8 in CA: to ban gay marriage. In August 2010 the court held that to be unconstitutional. On 15 June 2011 the San Francisco court upheld that decision because it violates the constitutional rights of citizens. On 7 February 2012 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck the California law again finding that the California state constitution banning same-sex marriage violated principles of due process and equal protection under the law. The court found that the ban violates equality laws to target a minority group and withdraw a right that it possessed, without a legitimate reason for doing so. Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California. The constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort. It is now awaiting the Supreme Court verdict which is expected to uphold the early court decision. If that happens then gay marriage will become legal everywhere and that will be marriage and not civil partnership! In the UK The intolerance, bigotry and homophobia from Christians resulted in it being classed as a hate crime with severe sentences. It has led to the government framing legislation which if enacted will replace "Civil Partnership" with full marriage. New Zealand, France, Spain and ten other countries have legalized gay marriage and others have commenced legislating to do so! The loving god works in mysterious ways.

Answer 3

Is that why I'm drawn to Buddhism? Wow.

I could care less about same-sex marriage. It's not for me, but if you want it, go ahead.

But that bit about masturbation- even us straights can take comfort from a religion that approves (or at least does not condemn).

Answer 4

That 's totally wrong info from the article! Masturbating and same sex marriage are not blessed in Buddhism and even consider as sinful (as of retribution).
If you can read chinese, here 's more informations :
http://bbs.jiexieyin.org

Hope it answer your doubts. In summary, same sex marriage is not natural, while prolong masturbation damage the kidney and reduce concentration, and may also lead to impotent.

Answer 5

1.Masturbrating is ok but the things you think while doing it should not be very indecent.But it is not suitable for monks.

2.I think Same sex marriage is not suitable.

Answer 6

You have already found the answer.

From a Buddhist.

Answer 7

They're also considered A-okay in Wicca, just for the record. ;-)