Schools > Students > Ages 15-16 > Living the Buddhist life > Family values and sexual ethicsFamily values & sexual ethics
(you may also find this short article interesting on Buddhist attitudes to sexuality)
The Third Precept
The Third Precept - abstaining from misconduct in sensual desires - applies the principle of ahimsa, non-harm, to sexual behaviour.
- sensual misconduct is sexual behaviour that causes harm, to oneself or others
- its cause is craving or greed, hatred and ignorance
- traditionally rape and abduction were cited as examples of sexual misconduct
- the opposite of sexual craving is the cultivation of stillness, simplicity and contentment
The goal of Buddhism is the attainment of Nirvana (Nibbana in Pali), or Enlightenment. The word nirvana literally means a blowing out - of the fires of craving or greed, hatred and ignorance.
Celibacy
The Buddha lived a celibate life and encouraged those of his followers who were able to do likewise. The third Precept for monks and nuns is to observe celibacy; i.e. not to engage in any sexual activity of body, speech or mind. Celibacy enabled monks and nuns to remain free from family responsibilities and to work to overcome the craving associated with sexual activity.
Marriage and Divorce
Within Buddhism
- marriage is a secular arrangement, not a sacrament or holy rite
- monks do not conduct the marriage ceremony, but often bless the couple
- it is recognised that divorce may be necessary if the two people concerned cannot live together happily
- a variety of marriage laws and customs and patterns of family life exist in different traditions