Sexuality and Religion - Buddhism

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism and sexuality See also: Homosexuality and Buddhism

Buddhism does not go into detail regarding what is right and what is wrong within the mundane activities of life. In fact, Buddhism in its fundamental form does not define what is right and what is wrong in absolute terms for lay followers. Details of accepted or unaccepted human sexual conduct is not specifically mentioned in any of the religious scriptures. Therefore the interpretation of what kinds of sexual activity is acceptable for a layperson is not a religious matter as far as Buddhism is concerned.

The most common formulation of Buddhist ethics are the Five Precepts and the Noble Eightfold Path, which say that one should neither be attached to nor crave sensual pleasure. These precepts take the form of voluntary, personal undertakings, not divine mandate or instruction. The third of the Five Precepts is "To refrain from committing sexual misconduct. However, "sexual misconduct" is a broad term, and is subjected to interpretation relative to the social norms of the followers.

Buddhist monks and nuns of most traditions are expected to refrain from all sexual activity and the Buddha is said to have admonished his followers to avoid unchastity "as if it were a pit of burning cinders."