Expert: Justin Choo - 9/3/2006

Question

Hi there,

According to your knowledge and beliefs what is your stance about fornication today? Do you still consider it a horrible sin or is it not an issue anymore since today we have better use of contraceptives, and we have genetic tests to prove whose kid is whos etc....
i can understand its problem in the older days, but not today. I think times have changed too greatly so it is surprising that most followers of the world's religions whether jewish, chrisian, muslim, hindu,etc..insist on how sinful it is (whether they do it or not) and do not really question whether such a rule still applies today or not (which may be called blind faith if one doesnt question)...i would like to know your views and beliefs and perhaps learn something from you

ps: if u have something to say about homosexuality id love to hear about it too...i know homosexuals and that its for a fact that it isnt in their hands who they are attracted to..so it just doesnt feel right when religious ppl say they are damned to hell for following their heart..

Answer
Hi Doudi,

Thank you for asking me.

To abstain from sexual misconduct is the third of the 5 precepts which a good Buddhist would abide. The purpose of keeping the 5 precepts is to keep us away from troubles and problems. The emphasis here is "misconduct". If one is having extra sexual affairs with all and sundry, it is sexual misconduct. We all know the problems and troubles this type of sexual misconduct will create. Sexual misconduct does not necessarily mean illegal sex, which may be against the country's laws. As the key word is "misconduct", it implies our misbehaviour in sexual activities. If a couple is sincerely in love, whether legally married or not, their sexual activities should not be construed as sexual misconduct. However, if the particular society or culture dictates that couples should be legally married, then it is their social and legal responsibilities to abide by the rules.

I am not an expert in this rather controversial topic of homosexuality. However, from my personal point of view, homosexuality is a dysfunction caused by psychological problems and/or genes. Who are we to condemn them?  Are we so pure and virtuous just because we are not like them?  The precept just states "sexual misconduct". I would not construe sexual activities between 2 homosexuals as "sexual misconduct" if they do not extend their sexual activities with other parties. So long as they keep their sexual relationship within themselves, I don't see any harm or trouble that they may cause to others, or themselves.

The Buddha revealed the universal truth of pain in this existence and how to be free from it.  He advised us to use our common sense and human intelligence to solve our mundane problems.  Three questions will be my guiding principles:

1) Will the act harm me?
2) Will the act harm others?
3) Is the act beneficial to me/others?


So long as we live a dignified, noble, and harmless life, we should be able to live in peace with ourselves and the society. Why judge others when we can't even control our lives.

(However in terms of Buddhist spiritual development all carnal activities are a hindrance to spiritual progress.)

Smile from justinchoo :-)