Homosexuality
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:16 pm
How does Theravada view homosexuality? Is it considered sexual misconduct? Are there any suttas that mention homosexuality?
Thanks,
David
Thanks,
David
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WA Buddhists question Dalai Lama
by Asha Dyson
April 26, 2006
The holy Dalai Lama is under scrutiny by West Australians over a comment made in relation to homosexuals.
The Dalai Lama was quoted in an article (the West, April 15, p.7), “If you are a Buddhist, homosexuality is wrong. Full stop.”
In contrast to this statement, Ajahn Brahm, spiritual director of the Buddhist Society of WA stated in a letter, “The Dalai Lama is not the ‘Pope’ of Buddhism and, charming as he often is, he sometimes gets it wrong.”
Despite concerns about fuelling homophobic attitudes, ABC News Online quoted figures from an article published in July, 2005 which stated, “A new report says about 35 per cent of Australians believe homosexuality is immoral.”
“I think our society is very much hung up about getting revenge, whether you’re heterosexual or gay, we need to be loving,” said Sol Hanna, President of the Buddhist Society of WA.
“I just don’t separate gays from straights. As a Buddhist I try to live a life of harmlessness, I don’t judge people on their sexuality.
“Buddhism is about compassion and Dalai Lama is not the head of the Buddhist religion, although he is a very wise and wonderful man,” said Georgina Green, Armadale Meditation Group member.
Brahm also stated in his letter, “The Dalai Lama’s error is to look for his guidance in dodgy scriptures composed many centuries after the time of the Buddha.”
Trustee of The Buddhist Library and Education Centre said, “We would prefer to consider the words of the Buddha, Buddha was non judgemental.”
“The comment is coming from a very specific view of the world. He’s a political figure and he’s certainly no fool, and he’s not going to say anything to offend the Tibetan community,” said Venerable Bhante (Tejadhammo Bhikku), abbot and spiritual director of the Association of Engaged Buddhists Inc.
“We need to look at the way in which a person lives their life, not just single out one aspect,” he said.
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The same as it views heterosexuality.davcuts wrote:How does Theravada view homosexuality?
A prediliction (liking sex with men) is not a conduct. I assume you mean to ask if homosexual acts are sexual misconduct. The answer is no. Sexual misconduct is basically defined as adultery and sex with minors.Is it considered sexual misconduct?
No. However, the Vinaya lists various homosexual acts as included in the monastic rule to abstain from all sexual activity. From this we can know the Buddha was aware of homosexuality.Are there any suttas that mention homosexuality?
Also: rape, incest, bestiality, and extreme sexual addiction (prostitutes, radical sex addiction harming one's life), right?Peter wrote:A prediliction (liking sex with men) is not a conduct. I assume you mean to ask if homosexual acts are sexual misconduct. The answer is no. Sexual misconduct is basically defined as adultery and sex with minors.
I have not seen any of these mentioned in connection with sexual misconduct in the scriptures. If you have a scriptural reference to the contrary I'd be curious to see it.Individual wrote:Also: rape, incest, bestiality, and extreme sexual addiction (prostitutes, radical sex addiction harming one's life), right?Peter wrote:Sexual misconduct is basically defined as adultery and sex with minors.
I disagree.Chris wrote:Sexual Acts between consenting adults who are not promised to another, or under vows, are not sexual misconduct.
Metta,"What do you think, Rahula: What is a mirror for?"
"For reflection, sir."
"In the same way, Rahula, bodily actions, verbal actions, & mental actions are to be done with repeated reflection.
"Whenever you want to do a bodily action, you should reflect on it: 'This bodily action I want to do — would it lead to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both? Would it be an unskillful bodily action, with painful consequences, painful results?' If, on reflection, you know that it would lead to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both; it would be an unskillful bodily action with painful consequences, painful results, then any bodily action of that sort is absolutely unfit for you to do. But if on reflection you know that it would not cause affliction... it would be a skillful bodily action with pleasant consequences, pleasant results, then any bodily action of that sort is fit for you to do.
"While you are doing a bodily action, you should reflect on it: 'This bodily action I am doing — is it leading to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both? Is it an unskillful bodily action, with painful consequences, painful results?' If, on reflection, you know that it is leading to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both... you should give it up. But if on reflection you know that it is not... you may continue with it.
"Having done a bodily action, you should reflect on it: 'This bodily action I have done — did it lead to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both? Was it an unskillful bodily action, with painful consequences, painful results?' If, on reflection, you know that it led to self-affliction, to the affliction of others, or to both; it was an unskillful bodily action with painful consequences, painful results, then you should confess it, reveal it, lay it open to the Teacher or to a knowledgeable companion in the holy life. Having confessed it... you should exercise restraint in the future. But if on reflection you know that it did not lead to affliction... it was a skillful bodily action with pleasant consequences, pleasant results, then you should stay mentally refreshed & joyful, training day & night in skillful mental qualities.