Lzh Mu Bi Vb Pc 76Masturbation
Pāli / Sanskrit:Talaghātaka
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Talaghātaka Sutta: On Self-Stimulation
Background
The Talaghātaka rule is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda tradition, specifically in the Pātimokkha, the list of two hundred fifty-eight rules for bhikkhus. This discourse arose from improper conduct by monastics in the Buddha’s time, when the Blessed One, the Buddha, saw some disciples involving the body in unlawful sexual acts, causing loss of mindfulness and paralyzing the spirit of practice.
The Vinaya Piṭaka was founded not to punish, but to protect the pure conduct of the Saṅgha community, maintain the clarity of Buddhism, and help monastics follow the example of the Buddha’s virtue. The rule on Talaghātaka, bodily defilement through self-stimulation, is regarded as one of the Pācittiya offenses, requiring public confession before the Saṅgha community.
Main Content
According to the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka, when a bhikkhu touches his own sexual organ with sensual intention, or uses any form of stimulation to cause ejaculation (talaghātana), that monastic has violated a Pācittiya rule. This act is seen as reopening the traces of sensual desire that have not been completely removed.
The important point is that the Vinaya Piṭaka does not judge only the outward act, but also considers intention (cetanā). If a monastic accidentally touches the body, or semen is discharged without sensual intention, that act does not constitute an offense. However, if there is the wish to arouse sensual pleasure or attain sexual satisfaction, the rule is violated.
The disciplinary consequence is that the monastic must confess before six bhikkhus at the monastery, acknowledge the fault, and express the aspiration not to repeat it. This is not permanent expulsion, but an opportunity for the monastic to remind himself and strengthen the resolve to guard purity of mind.
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