Is homosexuality acceptable in Buddhism?

Question

If a pious Buddhist professes his homosexuality, is he turning his back on the teachings of the religion? Are there any sects of Buddhism which overlook their followers' sexuality?

Answer 1

From what I understand it is a non-issue. Usually when a Budhhist says not to judge they really mean it.

Answer 2

I don't know anything about Buddhism when it comes to sex or homosexuality, but many Christians, including Catholics maintain sex should only be for procreation, and homosexual acts are sins, as is sex outside of marriage of any kind. Technically the Catholic Church teaches sex should only be for procreation, however women have traditionally been told they could not refuse their husband. I doubt if that meant only if she was at a point in her cycle when she could become pregnant. Many Fundamentalists and others also argue that all sex outside marriage is wrong and homosexual acts are especially wrong and forbidden by the Bible. There are quotations from both the Old and New Testaments but I can't quote them off-hand.

Answer 3

Here's FACTS, if you'd like... straight from the from the Dalai Lama's mouth.
WOW... so many answers SO few facts.

Dalai Lama: Then, if the practitioner is sexual, it is not prohibited. But
sexual includes homosexual also, and...
Interpreter: ... oral sex...
Dalai Lama: ... and the other hole. These, you see, even with ones own wife,
of both sex is considered sexual misconduct. Then another category, no
believer, no believer. I think, basically, the purpose of sex is
reproduction. So in order to fulfill that purpose, man to man, women to women
cannot fulfill-- so a little bit...

LOL@ thumbs downing something you'd rather not accept even if it comes from them most reliable source... Here's MORE:
"[T]he Dalai Lama has denounced abortion as a sin against "non-violence to all sentient beings," opposed contraception and criticized proponents of euthanasia - much as the pope has done. Although he has affirmed the dignity and rights of gays and lesbians, he has condemned homosexual acts as contrary to Buddhist ethics."
"He said nature arranged male and female organs "in such a manner that is very suitable... Same-sex organs cannot manage well."
So he tolerates it, BUT doesn't accept it, nor does he think homosexuals should engage in sex acts. That's reality hate it or love it.

Answer 4

I was told by a Buddhist about fifteen years ago that they consider homosexuality to be a result of a past incarnation in which the person had been the opposite gender. It doesn't always happen that people who had been the opposite gender come back as homosexuals, but sometimes it does, he said. Usually because they when they were reborn now, they were unable to let go of the attachment of being whatever that other gender was, in their past lifetime.

He also told me some other conditions whereby someone is born homosexual too, but I don't remember what they are. None of them had to do with being an awful person, or a "sinner" though.

Answer 5

Sadly I have not been a Buddhist for long enough to have explored any material that may answer this, so I'm gonna go with my limited understanding.

As far as I know, there is no particular emphasis on this.

Indeed, the third precept does state not to engage in sexual misconduct, but it is not clear to me whether homosexuality is at all seen as a contravention of this.

EDIT: To Thomas B. You appear to have mistaken Buddhism with Hinduism. I think that there is a Hindu God with 6 arms, but Buddhism has no God at all.

2ND EDIT: Angels have the Phoneboxes. Thank you for clarifying that for me. You have my sincere gratitude.

Answer 6

Temple monks are notorious for pederasty; this was particularly true of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the many reason for the utter lack of support within Tibet for any restoration of the Dahlai Lama's medieval theocracy. They took boys from their families at will,often as young as seven or eight. Indoctrination included sexual submission. They also demanded of the peasants 90% of their income. Monks lived in palational splendor while peasants scarely survived on a subsistance income. Nobody - nobody - wants them back. Monks in Thailand are also notorious for the practice and have been linked to the thriving trade in child prostition. This is not surprizing since again they have the authority - or the peasants beleive they have the authority - to seize their children at will. They are happy to provide a steady supply to meet the developed demand. For a handsome fee,naturally.

Answer 7

Buddhism talks about avoiding sexual misconduct, and all of that applies equally to both het and same-sex relationships.

Unfortunately, cultural 'interpretations' do get added in. But Buddhism itself has absolutely nothing against loving same-sex relationships.

Answer 8

Buddhism accepts everybody. That's one of the reasons that I like it. But technically it is not a religion in that it recognizes no deity or god. It is a philosophy on how one can lead a productive and peaceful life. Not unlike the discipline of humanism that I adhere to. If you'd care to read, here is what humanism is.

Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. It provides the basis for a fulfilling and ethical life without religion.

Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values.
Humanists see no convincing evidence for gods, the supernatural, or life after death.
Humanists believe that moral values are properly founded on human empathy and scientific understanding.
Humanists believe we must live this life on the basis that it is the only life we'll have -- that, therefore, we must make the most of it for ourselves, each other, and our world.
Humanist philosophies have arisen separately in many different cultures over many thousands of years. Whether or not they use the term humanism, tens of millions of Americans and hundreds of millions of people around the world agree with the humanist philosophy of living a happy and productive life based on reason and compassion.

Answer 9

Yes, actually it is acceptable. Many monasteries engage in homosexual behavior, because they have renounced relations with women. Also, the taboo against such behavior is more rooted in your Judeo/Christian/Muslim religions. In Buddhism, the body, or it's gender, are not so much of an issue.

Answer 10

Buddhists are too focused on other things than to bother with what goes on in another persons bedroom. I applaud them for their common sense and accepting nature.

Answer 11

No, just the Republican Party.

Now go give Father Foley a couple of Hail Mary's.