Lzh Sarv Bi Pm Pj 1Sexual Intercourse
Pāli / Sanskrit:Methunadhamma
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The Sutra on Sexual Intercourse (Methunadhamma)
Background
Methunadhamma, from “methuna” (couple, sexual intercourse) and “dhamma” (rule, principle), is a section of the Vinaya Piṭaka in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This section belongs to the Pārājika, the four Pārājika rules, the most fundamental regulations of the monastic discipline. This branch of Vinaya was established by the Buddha Śākyamuni after his awakening in order to govern the life of bhikkhus (male monastics) and bhikkhunīs (female monastics).
The material concerning sexual intercourse was recorded in the context of occasions when the Buddha discovered disciples violating the discipline. These are not doctrinal sutras, but specific rules of training, clearly reflecting the aspiration of one who has gone forth: to abandon sensual desire (kāma-taṇhā) in order to pursue awakening.
Main Content
In the monastic discipline, sexual intercourse by those who have gone forth is considered one of the gravest violations, belonging to the category of Pārājika offenses, actions that cause a renunciant to be expelled from the Sangha. This regulation applies to both bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, without distinction of gender.
The deeper rule is this: not only is the sexual act itself forbidden, but even its preliminaries, if they give rise to sensual desire, are warned against. This shows Buddhism’s subtle understanding of the mind. The Buddha did not prohibit this out of fear or in order to repress human beings, but because he understood that sexual desire is one of the strongest bonds tying us to the cycle of rebirth (samsāra).
The stories in the Vinaya Piṭaka about bhikkhus who were tempted or violated this rule reveal a truth: the path of renunciation is not a crude rejection, but a training of the mind through a way of life. The Sangha exists to create an environment of spiritual education, where those who are determined can make progress.
Practical Meaning
For bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, Methunadhamma is a clear reminder of their commitment. It is not because of fear of punishment, but because of the understanding that each violation is a step backward on the path of liberation.
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