Homosexuality and Buddhism

One of five precepts states that one is to refrain from sexual misconduct or, more accurately, one is to refrain from indulging in sexual desire. Most Buddhist schools construe this to mean that monks and nuns are to practice celibacy.

For laypersons, this precept mainly applies to adultery. However, wide ranges of interpretations are possible about what exactly consititutes "sexual misconduct" and therefore the different schools of Buddhism - or even different individual monks - at different periods of time have offered varying opinions.

It is common to see condemnation of homosexuality by Buddhists in societies within Asia largely affected by Abrahamic religions. However, this is a recent development and there is no scriptural basis upon which it is to be condemned. Prior to colonialism under Abrahamic countries homosexuality was sanctified by Buddhist leaders throughout Asia. Within Japanese traditions homosexuality was "invented" by the Bodhisattva Manjusri of wisdom and the sage Kukai while in China it is attributed to the Yellow Emperor, the father of China. In India, Tibet, China, Southeast Asia and Japan, areas where Buddhism was or remains one of the chief religions their cultures have been historically unconcerned with the gender of sexual activity or the object of desire. A Buddhist scholar, Kitamura Kigin reported this on homosexuality ca. 1676 AD:

• "It has been the nature of men's hearts to take pleasure in a beautiful woman since the age of male and female gods, but to become intoxicated by the blossom of a handsome youth... would seem to be both wrong and unusual. Nevertheless, the Buddha preached that Mt. Imose (associated with heterosexuality) was a place to be avoided and the priests of the law entered this Way (wakashudo, "the Way of Youth", i.e. homosexuality) as an outlet for their feelings, since their hearts were, after all, made of neither stone nor wood. Like water that plunges from the peak of Tsukubane to form the deep pools of the Minano River, this love has surpassed in depth the love between women and men in these latter days. It plagues the heart not only of courtier and aristocrat but also of brave warriors. Even the mountain dwellers who cut brush for fuel have learned to take pleasure in the shade of young saplings." - Wild Azaleas

Tantric teachings state that some forms of sexual acts are damaging to the subtle energy systems of the body. Since these systems are one of the main focusses of Tantric practice, such acts are taught to be avoided with more emphasis than conventional Sutra based practice. Therefore, there is no definite Buddhist view on homosexuality except to say that celibacy is required for ordained monks or nuns.

It is worth noting that the Dalai Lama, while somewhat ambiguous on certain terms of homosexuality, has openly campaigned for and supported equal rights for homosexuals.

External links

• Homosexuality and Theravada Buddhism