San Mu Bu Pm GBM 3 Pj 1Sexual Intercourse

The Discourse on Sexual Intercourse (Methunadhamma)

Background

This discourse is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha, the code of practice for bhikkhus. It is part of the most detailed system of discipline in the Theravāda tradition, recording the specific actions that bhikkhus must avoid in order to maintain purity in the practice.

The matter of sexual intercourse is addressed in Buddhism not out of contempt or disgust, but because sexual craving is one of the greatest hindrances on the path to awakening. This discourse reflects the context of the Buddha’s renunciation, with the purpose of helping disciples clearly recognize the actions that must be avoided in order to preserve mindfulness and concentration.

Main Content

In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the discourse on sexual intercourse (Methunadhamma) is set in the context of offenses that a bhikkhu must not commit. Sexual intercourse is presented as an act that directly violates basic Buddhist rules. Not merely some sexual acts, but any act of sexual intercourse is considered a Pārājika violation, that is, a grave offense from which a bhikkhu cannot recover, resulting in the loss of monastic status.

The profound reason behind this is that Theravāda Buddhism recognizes sexual intercourse as bound up with craving (rāga), one of the three root defilements of all suffering. When a bhikkhu turns back in this way, he has clearly abandoned the aspiration for liberation and turned toward sensual pleasures. That is why the Buddha did not treat this matter as equal to lesser faults, but regarded it as a complete abandonment of the monastic path.

This Vinaya discourse also implies that restraint regarding sexuality concerns not only outward action but also intention. A wise bhikkhu must always guard the six faculties (indriya), eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, and mind, so as not to allow craving to arise.