It is also found in the regions surrounding the Himalayas (such as Bhutan, Ladakh, and Sikkim), much of Chinese Central Asia, the Southern Siberian regions such as Tuva, as well as Mongolia. So in the Kama Sutta (4.1) from the Sutta Nipata the Buddha explains that craving sexual pleasure is a cause of suffering. Within Theravada Buddhism there are four principal transgressions which entail expulsion from the monastic Sangha: sex, theft, murder, and falsely boasting of superhuman perfections. But if for that person — longing, desiring — the pleasures diminish, he's shattered, as if shot with an arrow.[1]. Regarding Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama’s perspectives are complex and evolving.On the positive side, he has publicly condemned violence against LGBTQ people and has been reported to have said, “If the two people have taken no vows [of chastity] and neither is harmed why should it not be acceptable. In 2014, the Southern Baptist Convention approved a resolution at its annual meeting stating that "God's design was the creation of two distinct and complementary sexes, male and female" and that "gender identity is determined by biological sex, not by one's self-perception". Gender, Identity and Tibetan Buddhism, rev. ~ PDF Traveller In Space Gender Identity And Tibetan Buddhism ~ Uploaded By Corín Tellado, having been tibetan buddhist myself for 25 years i can honestly say that traveller in space is an exceptionally clear book about how tibetan buddhism is actually taughtthe core attitudes of tibetan lamas as well as serious misunderstandings [18] A great majority of Tibetans believe that the only proper practice of tantric sex is metaphorically, not physically, in rituals and during meditative visualizations. They include an individual’s choice or willingness to be: Although there is no general consensus with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity within Buddhism, overall the third precept is most often referenced when discussing gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer issues. Among Buddhists there is a wide diversity of opinion about homosexuality. Gender identity is among the foremost elements that position us in the world; actively examining a Buddhist definition of gender and womanhood, we can expand our understanding of womanhood and femininity in that context and develop an alternative argument for gender equality. Turning the Wheel: American Women Creating the New Buddhism. Walshe comments, There is, in the Buddhist view, nothing uniquely wicked about sexual offenses or failings. “The Buddhist scriptures tell us that we are neither male nor female—that gender is an illusion, and that clinging to it just brings suffering. It would be better that your penis be stuck into a pit of burning embers, blazing and glowing, than into a woman's vagina. Buddhism beyond Gender is Rita Gross at her very best: clear, direct, insightful, and uncompromising. Kama is identified as one of five hindrances to the attainment of jhana according to the Buddha's teaching. First I chose “genderqueer” in an attempt at political subversion. Let me remember that my buddha-nature is drenched in flesh.” If I am finally able to feel at home in my gender identity, part of me hopes I will cling to it in triumphant attachment, never meditating my gender away. Overall, it is difficult to qualify Buddhism’s perspective on same-sex marriage, since perspectives vary greatly within the religion. The Different Paths of Buddhism: A Narrative-Historical Introduction. Zen Buddhism does not make a distinction between same-sex and opposite-sex relationships. Because of Buddhism’s core theme to attain enlightenment, the path one chooses to take within the religion is largely personal, as is one’s beliefs. During a meeting with representatives of the LGBTQ community, the Dalai Lama reportedly showed interest in how modern scientific research might create new understanding of the Buddhist texts, acknowledging a “willingness to consider the possibility that some of the teachings may be specific to a particular cultural and historic context.". So one, always mindful, should avoid sensual desires. Buddhism teaches that sensual enjoyment and desire in general, and sexual pleasure in particular, are hindrances to enlightenment, and inferior to the kinds of pleasure (see, e.g. The Vinyana, a Buddhist text for monks, forbids Buddhist monks and nuns from having sexual relationships with men, women and those of other genders, such as pandanka (interpreted as those with indeterminate sexual characteristics or people who do not conform to sexual norms, such as prostitutes). I would advise only that this felt identity is not your “true self.” The Buddhist true … Since then, conversations about gender identity have become more mainstream, though trans communities continue to struggle for acceptance. According to the late Buddhist teacher, Rita Gross, gender is not fixed. If you feel it is a good thing to attempt to tread the Buddhist path, you may undertake this and the other precepts, with sincerity, in this spirit.[2]. In fact, attachment to views of any kind only leads to more suffering for ourselves and others. Gross applied the concept of impermanence to gender and helped us see the ways it is not fixed, and may be rather different than the male/female label applied by examining genitals. The Buddha Gotama once stated, “Just as rain ruins an ill-thatched hut, passion destroys an ill-trained mind.” [19] The fourteenth Dalai Lama of the Gelug sect, holds that the practice should only be done as a visualization. Yet in a 1997 press conference he commented that “from a Buddhist point of view [lesbian and gay sex] is generally considered sexual misconduct.” have been mixed and somewhat influx. Canadian Journal of Buddhist Studies “The Buddhist scriptures tell us that we are neither male nor female—that gender is an illusion, and that clinging to it just brings suffering. Sex is seen as a serious monastic transgression. The fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism is largely built on concepts that foster individual enlightenment and encourage personal responsibility. [9] Finally, even in non-tantric Buddhism, influential 15th century monk Ikkyu preached for sex and love as valid ways to reach Enlightenment. traveller in space gender identity and tibetan buddhism Nov 30, 2020 Posted By Georges Simenon Media Publishing TEXT ID d557d66a Online PDF Ebook Epub Library years i can honestly say that traveller in space is an exceptionally clear book about how tibetan buddhism is actually taughtthe core attitudes of tibetan lamas as well as ed. 2005. For instance, Zen Buddhists often refer to hedonism, ascetic masochism and prostitutions as practices that violate the “Middle Way.” Hence, most Buddhist literature indicates that opposition to or support for marriage rights for same-sex couples is a personal, rather than religious, statement. I have been aware for some time that Buddhism has not been completely egalitarian about it approaches males and females on the path. This is a kind of skillful means. Sexual orientation, specifically, was not elaborated upon by Siddhartha Gautama, nor is there any reference or guidance for lay people regarding sexual orientation or same-sex behavior within the Pali Canon, the scriptural texts that hold the Buddha’s original teachings. It is sometimes described more as a philosophy or psychology than a religion. Letting them go, he will cross over the flood like one who, having bailed out the boat, has reached the far shore. Rather, it inspires lack of faith in the faithless and wavering in some of the faithful. The third of the five precepts states: The literal meaning of this statement is, "I undertake the course of training in refraining from wrong-doing in respect of sensuality." Though some select temples and monasteries may prohibit the ordination of LGBTQ people, schools of Buddhism, overall, have not adopted a consensus on the practice. But the incongruence you feel is not that uncommon. The source of transgender identity is mysterious because we don’t understand how all these forces work together. This book is an examination of those complications as they relate to the lives of Buddhist practitioners, beginning with gender--then moving on to the other, inevitable, manifestations of identity. Is sexism intrinsic to Buddhism, or did Buddhist … Based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism is considered a way of life for more than 500 million individuals across the globe. Regarding gender, the most significant debate about early Buddhism, the Buddhism of the Buddha's day and the next three to five hundred years, is whether or not its basic view is misogynistic, that is, hating and fearing females and everything female. It arises, and we can use what arises to bring us closer to the liberation that the Dharma teaches. agamaniya vatthu — that which should not be visited (the 20 groups of women). From the Buddha's full-time disciples, the ordained monks and nuns, strict celibacy (called brahmacarya) had always been required. In Everyman's Ethics, a collection of four specific suttas compiled and translated by Narada Thera, it is said that adultery is one of four evils the wise will never praise. Tibetan Buddhism is the form of Buddhism practiced in Tibet where it is the dominant religion. Yet here, while I have taught the Dhamma for dispassion, you set your heart on passion; while I have taught the Dhamma for unfettering, you set your heart on being fettered; while I have taught the Dhamma for freedom from clinging, you set your heart on clinging. These precepts take the form of voluntary, personal undertakings, not divine mandate or instruction. [citation needed][20] The Buddha Gotama once stated, “Just as rain ruins an ill-thatched hut, passion destroys an ill-trained mind.” [21], The third of the five precepts admonishes against "sexual misconduct"; however, "sexual misconduct" is a broad term, subject to interpretation according to followers' social norms. If you do think it is a good thing to do, but doubt your ability to keep it, you should do your best, and probably, you can get some help and instruction to make it easier. [7] It received a wide worship, especially among geishas and people in the business of pleasure, and its esoteric sexuality meant its image had to be usually covered from public eyes. Former Vice President of the Buddhist Society and Chairman of the English Sangha Trust, Maurice Walshe, wrote an essay called 'Buddhism and Sex' in which he presented Buddha's essential teaching on human sexuality and its relationship to the goal (nibbana). In point of fact, the most difficult precept of all for nearly everybody to live up to is the fourth — to refrain from all forms of wrong speech (which often includes uncharitable comments on other people's real or alleged sexual failings! Those inclined to develop a guilt-complex about their sex-life should realize that failure in this respect is neither more, nor, on the other hand, less serious than failure to live up to any other precept. In this, her last book, Rita Gross, one of the founding figures in the feminist study of religion, explains why this is so. In some Buddhist countries, laywomen are not allowed the same initiations as their male counterparts and nuns who are senior to new male monks must still defer to them as authorities over their lives. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press. (Dalai Lama, at a meeting with lesbian and gay Buddhists, June 11, 1997). This practice is especially common within Theravada Buddhism, which focuses heavily on the monastic tradition. Using one's hand, that is sexual misconduct". He then identifies three objects of craving: the craving for existence; the craving for non-existence and the craving for sense pleasures (kama). [29], The relation between Buddhist theory and practice and sexuality, Lopez, Donald S. Critical Terms for the Study of Buddhism. The meaning of the Kama Sutta is that sensual desire, like any habitual sense pleasure, brings suffering. Throughout the Sutta Pitaka the Buddha often compares sexual pleasure to arrows or darts. Unique Himalayan gifts and authentic Buddhist practice items [22], According to the Pāli Canon and Āgama (the Early Buddhist scriptures), there is not any saying that same or opposite gender relations have anything to do with sexual misconduct,[23] and some Theravada monks express that same-gender relations do not violate the rule to avoid sexual misconduct, which means not having sex with someone underage (thus protected by their parents or guardians), someone betrothed or married and who have taken vows of religious celibacy. I wonder silently to myself if gender dysphoria—the experience of dissonance between one’s body and mind—in the awakened Buddhist mind, could even exist. As a branch of the Eight-Fold Path, the Five Precepts serve as voluntary guidelines for life and are the bases of Buddhist morality. in Buddhism has been a topic of much scholarship in the last thirty years. The third of the Five Precepts is "To refrain from committing sexual misconduct.[11][12]. Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Buddhism, Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Conservative Judaism, Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ Issues: Reform Judaism. The book is not just an important contribution to Buddhism and gender studies, it is a practical guidebook on how to see through the fictions of gender identity and free oneself from the prison of gender roles so as to lead a more liberated life.”—José Ignacio Cabezón, Dalai Lama Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara Instead, the expectation is not to harm, exploit or manipulate others, which would directly violate the third precept. In this revised edition of June Campbell's ground-breaking and ambitious work, many of the key issues concerning gender, identity and Tibetan Buddhism, are now broadened and further clarified in order to create a better understanding of the historical importance of gender symbolisation in the very construction of religious belief and philosophy. Apart from certain schools in Japan and Tibet, most who choose to practice Buddhism as ordained monks and nuns, also choose to live in celibacy.[3]. For them, the Vinaya (code of monastic discipline) bans all sexual activity, but does so in purely physiological terms, making no moral distinctions among the many possible forms of intercourse. [6], Conversely to most tenets of Buddhism, Japanese Buddhist monks were strongly associated to the partaking of pleasure and sexual relationships. The 'far shore' is nirvana, a state in which there is no sensual desire. Realizing this fluidity, and the non-binary nature, leads to freedom of expression and relief from suffering (Gray, 2016.) The school also taught that they are only appropriate for the most elite practitioners, who had directly realized emptiness and who had unusually strong compassion. The nuances surrounding religion, sexual orientation and gender identity are heavily disputed, often complex, and frequently distressing. Buddhist Women and Social Justice : Ideals, Challenges, and Achievements. According to the doctrine he taught, freedom from suffering involves freedom from sexual desires and the training (Pali: sikkha) to get rid of the craving involves to a great extent abstaining from those desires. In the West, Theravada Buddhism, Zen Buddhism (a branch of Mahayana Buddhism) and Tibetan Buddhism are most predominant. [24], Some later traditions feature restrictions on non-vagina sex, though its situations seem involving coerced sex. Reported widely, including in: deprivation, the bad destination, the abyss, hell, "Everyman's Ethics Four Discourses of the Buddha", Saleyyaka Sutta: The Brahmans of Sala (MN 41), Thinking through Texts: Toward a Critical Buddhist Theology of Sexuality, Basic points unifying Theravāda and Mahāyāna, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Buddhism_and_sexuality&oldid=1000418243, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2018, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. [18], Among Buddhists there is a wide diversity of opinion about homosexuality. At the heart of Buddhism is the notion of egolessness—“forgetting the self”—as the path to awakening. Practiced primarily in southern areas of Asia, Theravada Buddhism is considered the oldest and most traditional school of the three. Aware of the suffering caused by violence: Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct: Aware of the suffering caused by harmful speech: Aware of the suffering caused by alcohol and drugs. These textual references do not target LGBTQ people specifically, as everyone within the monastic order is expected to refrain from all forms of sexual relations. Watkins, Joanne C. Spirited Women: Gender, Religion, and Cultural Identity in … [8] The 12th century saw the rise of the infamous Tachikawa-ryu sect, an extreme tantric sex school where human skulls and emission of sexual fluids were used in ritual, for which they were later persecuted and suppressed by mainstream Buddhists. My understanding of myself as transgender actually came about due to my Buddhist practice. [26] Some Tibet Buddhist leaders like the 14th Dalai Lama spoke about the restrictions of how to use your sex organ to insert other's body parts based on Je Tsongkhapa's work. It would be better that your penis be stuck into the mouth of a black viper than into a woman's vagina. According to the Theravada traditions there are some statements attributed to Gautama Buddha on the nature of sexual misconduct. In general, there is no rule prohibiting LGBTQ people from serving as Buddhist monks or nuns. explorations of Buddhism and gender started only in the 1980s, and she identifies four key areas that need further investigation (Gross 2013, p. 663): First is simply gathering the information about women and gender–given that most Buddhists, especially Western Buddhists, were quite unaware of how male- Another starting place might be the word “community.” In the Buddha's first discourse, he identifies craving (tanha) as the cause of suffering (dukkha). Worthless man, it would be better that your penis be stuck into the mouth of a poisonous snake than into a woman's vagina. 2005, Olson, Carl. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. [7] As such, there were currents of local esoteric Buddhism, possibly influenced by non-Buddhist folk tradition, that valued sexuality positively. The founder of the sect Tsongkhapa did not, according to tradition, engage in this practice, but instead attained complete enlightenment at the moment of death, that being according to this school the nearest possible without sexual yoga. Conversely, Mahayana Buddhism, also known as Northern Buddhism, is considered a more diverse form of Buddhism, whereas Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, incorporates major aspects of both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and has become a much-revered form of Buddhism in the United States. The Buddha's teaching arises out of a wish for others to be free from dukkha. )...What precisely, then, does the Third Precept imply for the ordinary lay Buddhist? “I am tired of having a body,” writes Buddhist author Susan Moon, “I just want to be my body. [17] The physical practice of sexual yoga is and has historically been extremely rare. Many of them were known to maintain relationships with prostitutes and geishas, often maintaining long term liaisons with them. Firstly, in common with all the other precepts, it is a rule of training. sevanap-payogo — the effort at sexual intercourse. pÄ«ti, a Pāli word often translated as "rapture") that are integral to the practice of jhāna. The mortal gets what he wants. [25], Conservative Buddhist leaders like Chan master Hsuan Hua have spoken against the act of homosexuality. Buddhism teaches that sensual enjoyment and desire in general, and sexual pleasure in particular, are hindrances to enlightenment, and inferior to the kinds of pleasure (see, e.g. There is gender inequality in most of the world's religions, of course, but that's no excuse. If you don't think it is a good thing to do, you should not undertake it. By clicking "GO" below, you will be directed to a website operated by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) entity. I am a gay man, and I feel accepted by Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI. [4] Sexual misconduct for monks and nuns includes masturbation. To learn more, please read our Privacy Policy. As it becomes less dangerous for transgender folks to change, I am finding out that several of my friends are transgender and I would like to know what Buddhism offers them. pīti, a Pāli word often translated as "rapture") that are integral to the practice of jhāna. The Human Rights Campaign, All Rights Reserved. "[15], According to some Tibetan authorities, the physical practice of sexual yoga is necessary at the highest level for the attainment of Buddhahood. This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 01:04. The basis for all schools of Buddhism includes the Three Universal Seals (premise of existence), the Four Noble Truths (philosophical enlightenment), the 12 Links of Dependent Origination (laws of existence) and the Eight-Fold Path (guide to enlightenment). Some commentators interpret these passages as evidence that early Buddhism had strongly negative v… Gross 1993 is the most comprehensive survey about women in Buddhism. The 'flood' refers to the deluge of human suffering. If one, longing for sensual pleasure, achieves it, yes, he's enraptured at heart. In March 2015—eight months before her death—Rita Gross was interviewed at Dongyu Gatsal Ling Nunnery in India about her feminist roots, finding a teacher, and gender identity in Buddhism. He is considered both a heretic and a saint within Zen. The book is not just an important contribution to Buddhism and gender studies, it is a practical guidebook on how to see through the fictions of gender identity and free oneself from the prison of gender roles so as to lead a more liberated life.”—José Ignacio Cabezón, Dalai Lama Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara Caitriona Reed, a Zen Buddhist, received authority to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 1992. [7], The Japanese deva Kangiten, a Buddhicized form of the Hindu god Ganesha, was considered sexually symbolic, being represented as dual figures embracing. There is no self, and there is nothing to gender that is not merely a construction, an illusion of the mind. [16] The use of sexual yoga is highly regulated. Cabezón 1992, edited by a male Buddhist scholar who has pioneered gender studies in Buddhism, contains many important early articles, including ones on abortion and on homosexuality. Theravada Buddhism, also known as Southern Buddhism, is viewed as the more traditional form of Buddhism. It is sometimes described more as a philosophy or psychology than a religion. As a result, although Soka Gakkai is relatively progressive on gender issues, it may also be alienating for some who are transgender, intersex and/or non-binary and don't identify with the gender identity assigned to them at birth. Gross, a Buddhist scholar, dharma teacher, and frequent Tricycle contributor, was the author of numerous books that included Buddhism After Patriarchy and Feminism and Religion: An … According to Public Religion Research Institute, 78 percent of (American) Buddhists favor laws that protect LGBTQ Americans against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The book is not just an important contribution to Buddhism and gender studies, it is a practical guidebook on how to see through the fictions of gender identity and free oneself from the prison of gender roles so as to lead a more liberated life." Though it is impossible to present a comprehensive overview of Buddhism within this context, we hope this brief overview will lead you to further explore the religion. [18] The dominant Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism holds that sexual yoga as an actual physical practice is the only way to attain Buddhahood in one lifetime. maggena maggappatipatti — sexual contact through that adhivasanam effort. It is an undertaking by you to yourself, to do your best to observe a certain type of restraint, because you understand that it is a good thing to do. And what has a greater hold on people’s imaginations or l Sexual orientation, specifically, was not elaborated upon by Siddhartha Gautama, nor is there any reference or guidance for lay people regarding sexual orientation or same-sex behavior within the Pali Canon, the scriptural texts that hold the Buddha’s original teachings. The fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism is largely built on concepts that foster individual enlightenment and encourage personal responsibility. [divide style=”2″] [13] Within the Anguttara Nikaya on his teachings to Cunda the Silversmith this scope of misconduct is described: "...one has intercourse with those under the protection of father, mother, brother, sister, relatives or clan, or of their religious community; or with those promised to someone else, protected by law, and even with those betrothed with a garland"[14], Bhikkhu Nyanamoli has provided an English Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya 41, "He is given over to misconduct in sexual desires: he has intercourse with such (women) as are protected by the mother, father, (mother and father), brother, sister, relatives, as have a husband, as entail a penalty, and also with those that are garlanded in token of betrothal. The Vinyana, a Buddhist text for monks, forbids Buddhist monks and nuns from having sexual relationships with men, women and those of other genders, such as pandanka (interpreted as those with indeterminate sexual characteristics or peo… Celibacy or Brahmacariya rules pertain only to the Eight precepts or the 10 monastic precepts. [5] In the case of monasticism, abstaining completely from sex is seen as a necessity in order to reach enlightenment. Synopsis A bold and provocative work from the late preeminent feminist scholar, which challenges men and women alike to free themselves from attachment to gender. The arguments are prominent and well-debated: "A man must not lie with another man" Leviticus 18: 22, or "...as for the two of you men who are guilty of lewdness, punish them both" Qur'an 4:16. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. What does Buddhism say about the folks who experience discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity?
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