[Joircarm]

I don't think we should apply the same expectations of discipline to lay practitioners as we apply to clergy. Clergy aren't told to restrain their desires because we're a mean society of people who just want to repress and sublimate everything unholy. Nuns and Monks are to discipline themselves so that they can concentrate on probing the nature of the mind, cultivating wisdom and compassion so that they can better serve the laity. They are our spiritual mentors. The double standard might seem unfair... but if they want to indulge themselves, maybe those horny individuals should seek another vocation. Ordination isn't for everyone.

It's definately a problem. You don't have to keep up with news from the Vatican to tell that it's widespread through all religions, I mean, this problem with misconduct on the part of clergy.

But when it comes to laypeople, I think it's unhealthy to feel uncomfotable with the thought of touching yourself. Buddhism isn't about repressing and sublimating your desires because everyone knows that society as it was represented to you at sunday school says "no, that's naughty behavior." Monks and nuns discipline themselves sternly to overcome those kinds of instincts. They have a lifestyle that allots them the time to focus on cultivating practices that allow them to live that way.