desultude
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: Dangling my toes in the Persian Gulf
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 Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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[quote="fiveeagles"]
| desultude wrote: |
| canuckistan wrote: |
I disagree with him on this one, but please note, he is not saying that others shouldn't do it, just Buddhists.
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Why does he make the distinction? |
The Dalai Lama makes the distinction because a Buddhist has fully chosen his or her path, with no coercion, proselytizing, or even encouragement, from the Buddhist community. Having chosen Buddhism, you choose to live by the precepts (or not, there is no "church" to sanction you if and when you stray), one of which is "correct actions". He and probably others have interpreted the teachings on this to proscribe promiscuity, and, from what he is saying, anal and oral sex.
"Right action" has to do with behaving in a way that brings the most happiness and the least grief or damage to yourself and others. It has nothing to do with a "Ten Commandments" sort of God's word from on high. Buddhist precepts have to do with psychology and with creating an environment in which you can flourish instead of suffer.
He is saying that such aforementioned sexual behavior leads to desire, temptation and pain, so it is not a fruitful path for a Buddhist. I disagree with some of this, and, as a Buddhist, I don't feel the least bit compelled to follow his interpretation. It isn't an edict. Buddhism does not function that way. |
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