Rainbow Buddha
20 Jul
A while ago, the thought of addressing homosexuality in Buddhism did arise in my mind and I wanted to blog about it but that idea was shelved as I was lazy (my biggest vice) and I had to do some research on this matter. So I was inspired by men dancing in tutus (not related to their sexuality) during a recent fundraiser brought it back to my attention and I thought it apt to actually write about it.
In Kechara House, it is painfully obvious that all types of orientations are welcomed. What is even funnier is that those that would never see themselves in a dress have donned a sexy dress, stockings and makeup, all in the name of ego-busting and fund-raising for Kechara House. I found them brave and worthy of mention as it ain’t easy wearing those killer heels, tutus and dancing in those tight little shimmery dresses.
A few years ago, Rinpoche told me to read up on a very interesting article about homosexuality and Buddhism and we had short discussion on it. The article was a long drawn out campaign to deconstruct what Buddhist scriptures and what the Dalai Lama thought about this issue. Unfortunately, I can’t find the article anymore but I will try to recall the gist of the article and especially my conversation with Rinpoche.
Buddhism generally prohibits any form of sexual behaviour, whether gay or straight. But the list of prohibition doesn’t really stop at sexuality and it goes on to attack the self-cherishing mind itself, the root of all our problems. Hence, almost everything we do is motivated by that mind. Therefore, we are creating negative karma every minute, just by existing with that mind. So, why get stuck on sexuality when there are bigger issues like laziness, stinginess, manipulation and other self-serving agendas that we may have that are even more harmful to our spiritual practice.
Hence, whether it is heterosexual or homosexual relationships, you are creating negative karma but as long as you are not hurting or causing harm directly through your relationship, then it is not as harmful as other types of negative karma. At the end of the day, Buddhism is not just for monastics (of which celibacy is of primary importance) but also for lay people as well. Hence, actually there are more important issues in Buddhism to talk about that even Lord Buddha, in his full omniscience had very little to say about it.
Men in Tutus!
Morgan Robinson
Luqman Michel
Reza Pramudya
kampus terbaik
CASEY KAM
Very True. People spend so much digging out issues like that to debate and debate but in actual fact there are so many unfortunate people who needed help in today’s society and yet people are wasting so much time debating on religion, what to do and what not to do… Hmmm… move on already people.. 🙂
Thanks Ethan. Yes, a lot of people focus on small issues and avoid bigger underlying issues. GLBTs are always scapegoats for religious fundamentalists for a longest time. I heard the current Pope of the Catholic church denounce homosexuality as the biggest threat of our time.
frankly i think sex is disgusting… no matter wat your orientation. Imagine licking and kissing parts of the body that produce waste matter, i mean it really takes a huge shift in perception to accomplish this… desire is just delusion. We got to see through it. Doesn’t matter your orientation you know…
Hi david, my fist time checking out your blog… how’s it hanging… very interesting article you posted there. I have to admit I WAS quite homophobic a few years ago… but you know what who cares…I don’t care anymore… why should homosexuality be an issue in buddhism. If you are a student of the dharma.. you should focus on looking at your self first instead of pointing at others…EEE why like that wan ar… And yes, even straight sex will become a delusion when we dwell too much into it… it becomes an addiction… which is why buddhism is so great as it teaches us the middle path… if you gonna getlaid enjoy it but don’t allow it to become a craving la… and Mr/Ms Sensitive should go out and get laid… ha ha sex is not disgusting… it’s beautiful if you’re in union with the right person and for the right reasons…
Hey kenny! Fancy seeing you here. Thanks for stopping my blog and put on a very extensive comment. Haven’t seen you around in a long time. How’re you doing?
hello, been busy working and preparing for next year’s wedding (spending a lot of time with in laws to be) …. I’m fine, yourself? Give me a buzz one of these days, we go yum cha or lunch… As you know I’m a once a week Kechara member 🙂 So quite elusive… ha,ha… drag jamie along also la… but I konw she’s quite busy also..
Tell you what, I’ll give you a yell after monday puja… see if you free…