Expert: Justin Choo - 4/23/2008

Question
Hey it's me agian, I'm wondering about the specifics on sexual abstinence in the Buddhist religion. Can you help me with this? Also, is Homosexuality allowed in Buddhism?

Answer
Hi,

And it's me again!!

To the general populations of the world, religion means surrendering themselves to the dictates of the All Powerful and/or His "appointed" henchmen.  All commandments must be obeyed.  My dear friend, the Buddha did not preach this type of doctrine. His teachings were always as admonitions, advising his listeners to take heed.  If they chose not to accept his advices, it was their business and the Buddha would just go his way.  In Buddhism, there is nothing not allowed.  The Buddha just pointed out that certain actions were good which would yeild good results; while certain actions were bad and would yeild bad results.  It was up to the person whether to listen to him or not.  Whichever he chose, he would bear the consequences.  

When we have a very clear understanding of the Buddha's teachings, we will realize that the Buddha had prescribed different levels of practice for different types of people.  Broadly, we can divide them into two categories: one for the very serious practitioners seeking ultimate liberation; and the other one is for those who are lay persons like you and me, living a worldly life with its pleasures and displeasures.  Rightly so, the first group will practise austerities.  As for us, the Buddha prescribed the five precepts.  The third precept states that we should not commit sexual misbehaviour.  That's all. So, there is nothing about sexual abstinence.  We humans are a very hypocritical species.  We are so conscious of our sex lives.  Every second, humans have the sexual urge.  It occupies the central part of the mind.  And yet, humans try to hide this physiological characteristic.  As a defensive shield, they introduce all sorts of rules and commandments to cover up this "shameful" and "sinful" sexual indulgence. This guilt feeling is thus perpetrated through time. In the name of religion, sexuality becomes a "sin".  And a greater sin if the person is "different" in his/her sexual orientation.

Buddhism is all about living in peace and contentment.  What sexual orientation one may have, has no bearing to living a peaceful and contented life.  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 three simple rules which we need to consider for everything:
1. Is the action harmful to oneself?
2. Is the action harmful to others?
3. Is the action beneficial?

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. 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.  


Wishing you peace and happiness :-)

Smile from justinchoo :-)