Bu Pj 11. The training rule on sexual intercourse
Pāli / Sanskrit:Methunadhamma
A monk who has sexual intercourse is expelled. The introduction to the rule tells the background story to the laying down of the monastic law. The main principle applied by the Buddha was to lay down rules and procedures only when required by circumstances.
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SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY: THE TRAINING RULE ON SEXUAL INTERCOURSE
Methunadhamma — The First Rule in the Bhikkhu Pātimokkha
Background
In the early period of the Sangha, the Buddha did not promulgate rules hastily or carelessly. He established regulations only when actual circumstances required it. The training rule on sexual intercourse (Methunadhamma) arose from a specific incident: a bhikkhu or a number of bhikkhus had violated the precepts by engaging in sexual conduct, which caused a disturbance and brought disgrace upon the Sangha and the honor of the Dharma.
At that time, the Buddha did not hesitate to summon his disciples before him and immediately established a rule prohibiting such conduct. This rule is regarded as the first Pārājika — one of the four most grave offenses, the consequence of which is permanent expulsion from the Sangha. This strictness reflects the paramount importance of purity and discipline in the monastic life of a bhikkhu.
Main Content
The Methunadhamma rule is stated clearly: "Any bhikkhu who engages in sexual activity — whether to any degree whatsoever, whether with a woman, a man, or even with an animal, or who himself assumes postures for the gratification of sensual desire — that bhikkhu is defeated (Pārājika) and is no longer a member of the Sangha."
Pārājika means "one who has lost" or "one who is defeated," for the bhikkhu who has transgressed has forfeited his status and cannot be reinstated by the Sangha. This is not a temporary penalty but a permanent determination.
The principle applied here by the Buddha is: "A rule is established only when the need arises." This demonstrates that the Dharma never prohibits arbitrarily or despotically. Every rule has a profound rationale connected with the protection of the Sangha, the preservation of purity, and the support of the path of practice leading to Nirvana.
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