Buddhism and Sexuality Flashcards
1
Q
Buddhism for celibacy
A
- word for it in PC ‘brahmacariya’ –> behave in a divine way
- one of the 8 precepts taken by Lay B on observance days, and by those in the sangha to devote time to study
- Buddha: vinaya says celibacy for monks and nuns dissolves sensual passion, as a monk was influenced to sleep with his former wife
- communal abstinence
- avoid craving: tanha
2
Q
Buddhism against celibacy
A
- lay people not banned: canon has anecdotes on benefits of stable respectful relationships
‘ marriage is necessarily a sexual partnership’
3
Q
Buddhism for lgbt
A
- thailand legalised gay sex in 1956, and gay marriage in 2025
4
Q
buddhism against lgbt
A
- unwise in T tradition
- conservativeness of country affects Buddhist views
- laity: no procreation so not advised
- sexual pleasure affects enlightenment
- pandakas not allowed to be monks according to buddha –> ‘sexually dysfunctional, passive homosexuals’
- being gay seen as a result of negative karma from past life
- 1989: thai sangha banned gay men from ordination
5
Q
buddhism for transgender rights
A
- Anatta, no distinction
- Ikeda: dragon princess becoming man to be enlightened shows that both genders can be enlightened (masc and fem elements)
- metta to accept who you are and allows u to be your best self in relationships
- vinaya: buddha accepts monks and nuns who are T and they can live with their gender
6
Q
buddhism against transgender rights
A
- wat kreung tai wittaya: conversion therapy for boys who seem too feminine (avoid katoeys)
- anatta: attachment to earthly body if you want to transition
- lotus sutra: buddha, no distinction between genders –> attachment to conventional level
7
Q
buddhism and marriage
A
- marriage is secular
- allows divorce
- entering sangha did not end marriage, but you cannot have sex
- third precepts: do not misuse sex, polygamy, economic and emotional reasons
- same sex: violation of third precept
