Lzh Dg Bu Pm 2 Pj 1Sexual Intercourse
Pāli / Sanskrit:Methunadhamma
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Discourse on Sexuality (Methunadhamma)
Background
The Methunadhamma (Pāli: Methunadhamma) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically in the Pātimokkha section of the discipline. This is one of the most fundamental legal texts of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, recording the disciplinary rules that bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs must observe in order to maintain conformity with the Dharma and rely upon the religious life in practice.
The discourse was taught by the Buddha in the context of governing the community of monks and nuns from the earliest days after awakening. The purpose of the Vinaya Piṭaka is not punishment, but the protection of purity, the preservation of shared well-being in the monastic community, and the creation of favorable conditions for confession and practice.
Main Content
Methunadhamma is a term referring to matters connected with sexuality, especially the act of sexual intercourse (maithuna). In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this section clearly establishes that: a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who engages in sexual activity in any form violates one of the Pārājikas, that is, the first offense among the four greatest offenses (Chaturpārājika).
Specifically, the discourse emphasizes that sexual conduct is considered “defeating” (pārājika), that is, it cannot be remedied simply by admitting the fault. A bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who violates this rule loses the wisdom of the Buddha-Dharma, loses the standing of one gone forth, and cannot continue to remain in the Sangha.
The discourse also distinguishes different degrees of offense according to intention (cetana) and action (kamma). Whether active or accidental, so long as sexual contact occurs, this rule is applied. The discourse reminds us that sexuality is one of the greatest obstacles for one who has gone forth, because it is directly opposed to the form of purity and renunciation (nekkhamma).
Practical Meaning
The Methunadhamma is not merely a formal rule.
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