Xct Mu Bu Pm Pj 1Sexual Intercourse

Explanation of the Methunadhamma Sutta (Sexual Intercourse)

Background

The Methunadhamma Sutta appears in the Pāli Canon, specifically in the Vinaya Piṭaka, in the Pātimokkha section. The background for the arising of this discourse is closely connected with the establishment of the foundation of discipline for the Sangha, the monastic community, during the time of Buddha Śākyamuni.

In the earliest period of the Buddha Dharma, the Buddha did not promulgate the entire discipline all at once. Instead, the rules were established gradually in response to specific acts of misconduct. When bhikkhus, male renunciants, or bhikkhunīs, female renunciants, committed a particular transgression, the Buddha would explain the matter and lay down the corresponding rule. The discourse on sexual intercourse is one of the essential regulations of the Vinaya Pitaka, intended to clearly define the celibate and pure life of monastics.

Main Content

The Methunadhamma Sutta states that sexual intercourse (methunadhamma) is an act completely forbidden for those who have gone forth in the Buddha Dharma. This is not an arbitrary prohibition, but an affirmation of the fundamental principle of brahmacariya, the holy life, meaning a celibate and pure way of living.

According to the early tradition, any bhikkhu or bhikkhunī who engages in sexual intercourse violates one of the gravest rules. This is not a minor rule, but belongs to the Pārājika class, offenses that result in the permanent loss of monastic status. Specifically, a bhikkhu is immediately excluded from the Sangha, with no possibility of restoration.

The reason behind this rule has deep roots. Sexual intercourse is seen as an expression of lobha, craving, and delusion, two of the three basic unwholesome roots. This act directly contradicts the purpose of practicing the Buddha Dharma: to eradicate impure states of mind and attain nirvana.