Expert: Justin Choo - 3/26/2008

Question
Hi. This is a pretty personal question, but I am sure I along with many other people are eager to know the answer to. I was wondering if someone who is a bisexual or homosexual can still become a Buddhist? I know sexuality has a lot to do with a religion, and I am wondering because I myself am a bisexual.

Answer
Hi Jake,

Thank you for asking me.

<<I know sexuality has a lot to do with a religion,..>>
This is not true in Buddhism.  Buddhism is about living in peace and contentment in one's life.  It is in the training of your mind.  Your sexual orientation has nothing to do with your seeking peace and contentment.  You are a Buddhist if you practise the teachings of the Buddha..PERIOD.

This subject is a very controversial and sensitive one. My comment will also surely be treated as such. In the final analysis, one must use one's common sense and human intelligence to think, analyze, and decide for oneself. Throughout history, societies have always wanted to play "God" and impose "moral" judgement on others who do not "behave" like them; not that their moral codes are necessarily correct. The Buddha did not introduce any "new" or "special" moral standard for his followers, but advised them to think and analyze by using their human intelligence and just plain common sense. We do not have to depend on any "super power" or anyone for that matter to teach us what is generally right or wrong; for example; stealing, killing, and telling lies. Likewise we don't have to succumb to others' opinions about our own private lives. There are actually only two simple questions which we need to consider:
1. Is the existing condition harmful to oneself?
2. Is the existing condition harmful to others?
If it is not harmful to oneself or to others, then what's the big issue??

The Buddhist perspective of life is that this "being" consists of the physical body and the mind. The existence of this being is the results of the energy of the mind taking existence in this physical body. The nature of life-form that this mind energy affixes to, will depend on the nature of the accumulated "kammic" store-house which the being had generated throughout its numerous life existences. If the kammic storehouse has a greater portion of evil and unwholesome kammic energy, this mental energy will seek a rebirth in the appropriate existence such that the evil and unwholesome energies will actualize in that life, causing agony and suffering for the being. In this sense, you can consider that evil mental energies will seek out conditions that favour such existence (and vise versa). This also applies to one's sexual orientation. Although genes play a great part in one's character, the mind if properly trained will be able to counter the bad effects of bad genes. As for your case, a properly trained mind with clear understanding will be able to counter the adverse effects of "differing" sexual orientation. In my personal layman opinion, your condition is purely sexual and physical. Let not this "differing" condition affect your mind as well. Our mind is very powerful. But just like fire, it works both ways. Practise the pristine teachings of the Buddha.  We all have our prejudices due to our mental "blindness" which we are unable to see the real picture of life and existence. You have a choice, whether or not to continue to be such a person. Whatever decision you choose, there is nothing to prevent you from becoming a Buddhist.

Wishing you peace and happiness.

Justinchoo :-)