NEWS: Queers! Don't Misuse Sex!

I've never ever heard that. Please cite.

Dear Brad,

Please read this one, over and over again, until you understand. Stare at a wall, edge play or whatever it is you do to wrap your mind around it:

7) Not to be proud of oneself and slander others

Thank you.

I wonder which is the more correct translation from the original for the third precept: Don't misuse sex, or don't misuse sexuality.

It seems to me that there would be quite a difference between the two. Interpreting the precept as not misusing sex would limit having sex to specific times, place, partners, etc.

Interpreting the precept to mean not misusing sexuality would be much more general. Instead of governing the sex act itself, it would be cautioning one against using one's sexuality to the detriment of others. For instance, using the promise of sex to entice someone to do something they don't want to do, or using the threat of withholding sex for the same reason. One could even extend misuse of sexuality to cover most of the advertising industry, which uses the "promise" of possible sex to entice you to buy a specific product.

In my view, exhorting one's disciples to avoid misusing their sexuality is more in line with any enlightened master's guidelines than trying to control which willing partner their disciples choose to have sex with.

Well, a Google search gives several viewpoints.

According to this site, the third precept is listed simply as "sexual misconduct." That can be taken rather broadly.

Here it says, "I undertake the precept to refrain from sexual activity."

Wikipedia gives conflicting info depending on whether you're talking about The Five, Eight, or Ten Precepts.

Keep in mind, I'm only listing some of the info I found.

-TM

Another reason why I could never be a part of a sexually austere religion.

That's a great way of putting it.

It's possible, alright - meditation is doing wonders for my depression. And from my POV that's utterly desirable (although I'm also aware that I'll only upgrage to Buddhism 2.0 once I stop seeking results).

Besides, what happens when you hit that 'ultimate high'? You want to hit it again to get that same rush. But after a few times, it's not as good & you need a stronger fix. And before you know it you're huffing & puffing away on the internet like our Gene, who is now most likely at the point where likes the idea of sex with lots of women is much more enjoyable than the act itself - probably 'cos he sees it as empowering, or an ego boost, or whatever. I'd guess it's gone from a source of pleasure to a psychological crutch & that he's far from alone in that way.

My understanding is that biologically, what Brad says is true. Essentially, your brain wants to keep itself balanced. If you get a really big high, then your brain counteracts the endorphin rush by producing 'downers' (seratonin perhaps? I always get chemical names mixed up). The more endorphins are produced, the more 'downers' your body will produce to counteract the high, leading inevitably to 'lows' in the case of very big highs such as a heroin hit (which mimics the action of endorphins). Sex produces endorphins too, so works in the same way on a more subtle level.

I think it's important to remember that Bodhidharma interpreted this precept as being about not desiring as much - which isn't the same as not desiring things that make you feel good 'at all'. Buddha was into the 'middle way', after all.

I've often thought about the subject of misusing sex re: Buddhism and I've come to a somewhat similar position.

Good piece.