Lzh Mi Bu Pm Pj 1Sexual Intercourse

Explanation of the Methunadhamma Sutta (The Matter of Sexual Intercourse)

Background

The Methunadhamma Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhunī Pātimokkha, the code for nuns. This is part of the Dharma and Vinaya regulating actions inappropriate to the life of practice of those gone forth in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition.

The background of this sutta arises from specific situations faced by the Buddha and the monastic community in the early period. As the Buddha-Dharma developed, issues of conduct, especially actions related to sexuality, one of the three poisons, greed, hatred, and delusion, according to Buddhist teaching, became important subjects requiring regulation by monastic law. The Vinaya Piṭaka was therefore compiled to protect the purity of moral conduct and maintain internal discipline within the Sangha.

Main Content

The Methunadhamma Sutta concerns the application of law to acts involving sexual intercourse, a matter regarded as a Pārājika offense, a rule of highest prohibition, or a Saṅghādisesa offense, a matter to be declared before the Sangha, depending on the degree and specific circumstances. This rule not only regulates the primary act but also includes related cases, from attempts to carry it out to indirect actions.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī is not permitted to perform acts of sexual intercourse in any form, because this contradicts their vow of discipline, specifically brahmacarya, the holy life, living celibately and completely abandoning sensual desire. Violation of this has grave consequences: one gone forth is no longer worthy to be a member of the Sangha and must forfeit monastic status.

The law also considers different circumstances such as consent, non-consent, knowledge, or lack of knowledge among the parties involved, thereby ensuring that these rules are applied fairly and transparently.