How ought we understand sex in Buddhism?

How ought we understand sex in Buddhism?

Author: Nicholas Bright Haight August 30, 2024 Duration: 24:08

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 94 - How ought we understand sex in Buddhism? What is the meaning and significance of the doctrine prohibiting sexual indiscretion? How have understandings of this doctrine changed over time?

Resources: Lang, Karen C. (June 2015). Mittal, Sushil (ed.). "When the Vindhya Mountains Float in the Ocean: Some Remarks on the Lust and Gluttony of Ascetics and Buddhist Monks". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 19 (1/2). Boston: Springer Verlag: 171–192. doi:10.1007/s11407-015-9176-z. eISSN 1574-9282. ISSN 1022-4556. JSTOR 24631797. S2CID 145662113.; Langenberg, Amy Paris (April 2018). "Buddhism and Sexuality". In Cozort, Daniel; Shields, James Mark (eds.). The Oxford Handbook of Buddhist Ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780198746140.013.22. ISBN 9780198746140.; Langenberg, Amy Paris (September 2015). Denison, Brandi (ed.). "Sex and Sexuality in Buddhism: A Tetralemma". Religion Compass. 9 (9). New York: John Wiley & Sons: 277–286. doi:10.1111/rec3.12162. eISSN 1749-8171.; Powers, John (26 April 2021). "The Body of the Buddha: The Buddha's Sex Life". Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. Oxford: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.013.745. ISBN 9780199340378. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.; Porath, Or (January 2015). Porcu, Elisabetta (ed.). "The Cosmology of Male-Male Love in Medieval Japan: Nyakudō no kanjinchō and the Way of Youths". Journal of Religion in Japan. 4 (2–3). Leiden: Brill Publishers: 241–271. doi:10.1163/22118349-00402007. eISSN 2211-8349. ISSN 2211-8330.; Smith, Sharon E.; Munt, Sally R.; Kam-Tuck Yip, Andrew (2016). "Thinking Through the Cultural Politics of Race, Sexuality, and Gender in Western Buddhism". In Smith, Sharon E.; Munt, Sally R.; Kam-Tuck Yip, Andrew (eds.). Cosmopolitan Dharma: Race, Sexuality, and Gender in British Buddhism. Numen Book Series. Vol. 152. Leiden: Brill Publishers. pp. 1–48. doi:10.1163/9789004232808_002. ISBN 978-90-04-23279-2. ISSN 0169-8834; https://studybuddhism.com/en/tibetan-buddhism/path-to-enlightenment/karma-rebirth/buddhist-sexual-ethics-main-issues; https://studybuddhism.com/en/tibetan-buddhism/path-to-enlightenment/karma-rebirth/buddhist-western-views-on-sex; https://info-buddhism.com/Buddhism-Sexuality-Cabezon.html


Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host


Nicholas Bright Haight brings his academic background and personal curiosity to each episode of Bright On Buddhism. As a scholar of East Asian Buddhism currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Religion, with a specialization in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture, Nick approaches these conversations with both depth and accessibility. The discussions unfold in a relaxed, question-and-answer style, making often complex philosophical and historical ideas feel approachable and immediately relevant. You’ll hear explorations that draw from his specific research areas, like Japanese Buddhist historical responses to cultural shifts, while also addressing the broader, timeless questions at the heart of the tradition. This isn’t a formal lecture series, but rather a thoughtful dialogue meant for anyone with an interest in how these ancient teachings intersect with modern life. The Bright On Buddhism podcast creates a space where scholarly insight meets casual conversation, demystifying topics without losing their profound essence. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or just beginning to explore spirituality and religion, these episodes offer a grounded and informative perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 252

Bright On Buddhism
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