"It's part of what we Buddhists call 'bad
sexual conduct.' Sexual organs were created for reproduction
between the male element and the female element and everything
that deviates from that is not acceptable from a Buddhist point
of view. Between a man an [another]man, a woman and another
woman, in the mouth, the anus, or even using a hand." (the DL
mimes masturbation)...
(June 1997, San Francisco ~ Dalai Lama)
Also mentioned this only applied to Buddhists.
This didn't make any sense to me. It didn't sound Correct. I
can question any Buddhist teaching no matter who said it(1)
so I decide to exercise that right.
Sexual organs were created for reproduction
I can't agree. Human sexual organs are created
for sex & pleaser more than reproduction. Humans anatomy &
humans approach to sex very much deferent than other primates.
Example: Human female is the only female does not display ovulating
period, but sexually capable most of her life ~ even after her lose
the reproduction capability. Human female is the only female primate
capable of sexual orgasm. Not only that, some woman are may even
reach orgasm as a result of stimulation of her breasts, ears and
other body parts (Kinsey
Research) (more info:
The Naked Woman,
The Naked Ape)
Non sexual relationship between same sex
is very much welcome in almost every religion including Buddhism.
But the issue starts when sex involved. Sex is always hot topic for
everyone ~ even to religious leaders.
In Buddhism any kind of sexual relationship or activity
totally prohibit for monks - only for the monks. There is no
question about it.
There are no rules for laypeople in Buddhism. There are
guidelines, not rules. When Dalai Lama refer to 'bad sexual conduct'
he refer to the third precept of
5 precepts of
Buddhism. That is : 'not to engage in wrong way
for sexual pleasure'. Buddha
never mention anything about homosexuality for laypeople or any other
none-traditional sexual orientations ~ he discuss about the
sexuality as one entity. Even though Buddha explains about bad side
of worldly pleasers, he did not deny any worldly pleasers to laypeople.
Matter of fact he even explain
how to enjoy worldly pleasers with mindfulness. Also
reproduction is not compulsory in Buddhism. Not only that.. even
marriage is not compulsory in Buddhism. (but culture naturally
override those)
What is the wrong way for sexual pleaser really?
I remember the monk who teach Buddhism in the school had very
difficult time trying to (not) explain that. I have kind of similar
problem now when trying to explain that, because there are no clear
definition about 'wrong way' in here. Is that cheating, rapeing,
child molestation? Or is that none-traditional sexual activity? Is
that engaging in sexual activity just for pleaser, not for
reproduction? Is that sexual thoughts? Is that homosexuality? Or is
that altogether? What is right and what is wrong?
I'm not really helpless here.
Buddha explain three main guidelines to judge an action right or
wrong. So I'm going to put this
into those three tests and see how it will come out.
- How do I feel if that action done toward me.
It does not matter man or woman, if some one forcefully have
sexual activity, then that is sexual violation I do not like -
that is wrong.
But in the other hand, if I happened to be homosexual & also
if I had a relationship with other adult homosexual, then
it will become a partnership both people get benefited form. I
have seen couple of homosexual couples enjoying good life. They too
have big problems like Petrol price or global-warming, and all
other human problems.
I can't separate heterosexuality and homosexuality using this
test. They both look the same here.
But I can filter adultery, rape, and all other sexual violation
as the wrong way from this test.
- The deed which causes remorse afterwards and results in
weeping and tears is ill-done. The deed which causes no remorse
afterwards and results in joy and happiness is well-done.
Well. I have to agree with Bob Marley in here. No woman ~ No
Cry.
I have seen more heterosexual people cry for heterosexual
relationship more than homosexual people. Looks like it do not
matter type of the relationship, if I do something make me
regret afterward, then it is wrong.
I can't separate heterosexuality and homosexuality using this
test. They both look the same here anyway.
- Whether the action is helpful to goal of Nirvana
In Buddhism, the final goal is to obtain the ultimate happiness
- Nirvana. Work toward that, Buddhists have to do good
deeds. If the
action base on generosity, love and compassion then it is an
action toward Nirvana. If a person maintain a clear mind, even
he is heterosexual or homosexual he is working toward the
nirvana. If a person maintain a quality relationship no matter
who is the partner is, then that person working toward Nirvana.
This test does not help me to separate heterosexuality from
homosexuality. Bad relationship is bad relationship, no matter
who the partner is.
In that case I have to decide Dalai Lama's quote is not
the Buddhist point of view as he clam.
In Buddhism homosexual Buddhist and heterosexual Buddhist
both are equal humans. None superior to other. Homosexual
relationship and heterosexual relationship both are similar and
both have similar consequences.
By the way This is not unconditional - just like everything
else in the world. If one act openly gay where homosexuality is
not tolerated, then results may be weeping and tears even it is
right thing or wrong thing. Buddha have mention try not to
involve in actions does not tolerated by the society or declared
as illegal, even they are 'good' actions. So in that case
Gay
Pride parade is not a good idea in Sri Lanka.
Bottom line is, Just like Dalai Lama said 'He is just a monk -
nothing more - nothing less'. But after all, he is most famous
Buddhist in the world. In that case I like him help everyone to
have a better relationship with love and generosity no matter
who's the partner happened to be.
Labels: Buddhism, Freedom, Religion
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