Lzh Sarv Ba 91Masturbation

Exposition of Sanghadisesa 1: On the Offense Related to Sexual Desire

Background

Sanghadisesa is one of the four groups of the gravest offenses in the Patimokkha, the general code of discipline, of the ancient Bhikkhu Sangha. The term “Sanghadisesa” means “an offense that must be handled by the Sangha,” showing a level of seriousness higher than individual minor offenses but lower than parajika, an offense requiring dismissal from the Sangha.

Sanghadisesa 1, recorded in representative Vinaya texts of the Theravada tradition, concerns acts related to monastics’ sexual desire. This rule was established after specific events in the early life of Buddhism, when the Buddha and the Sangha discovered behaviors that risked weakening the spirit of practice and the honor of the religious community.

Main Content

Sanghadisesa 1 states that if a bhikkhu intentionally stimulates or entices another person to perform sexual acts with him, or if he participates in sexual activities with the intention of satisfying desire (kama-chanda), this is a Sanghadisesa offense.

The important distinction between Sanghadisesa and parajika here is this: if there is actual contact between bodily parts, that is parajika, the gravest offense, leading to dismissal. However, if there are only indirect acts such as persuading, suggesting, or other acts without direct contact aimed at satisfying sexual desire, that is Sanghadisesa.

This rule is built upon the principle that brahmacariya, the pure life, is the foundation of Buddhist practice. Sexual desire (kamaraga) is considered one of the greatest obstacles on the path to liberation.

Practical Meaning

For monastics, Sanghadisesa 1 is not only about prohibiting specific sexual acts, but also about protecting the mind from desire (raga), one of the three poisons, the root seeds of suffering according to Early Buddhism.