[Diandaplaipsy]

The thread on Buddhism and LGBT peaked some curiosity about different Buddhist perspectives on sexual misconduct. I was wondering what is said by different schools about masturbation. Is it considered sexual misconduct for monks/nuns and/or lay followers? I'm assuming that according the Abhidharma orifice restriction it must be considered sexual misconduct. Thank you in advance for your responses.

[Tainlyferfara]

I am by no means an expert...rather new at all this myself. But if my understanding is right, it could be looked at one of two ways. One, it could be considered longing and craving since it is often accompanied by fantasies and such. On the same note, if one doesn't have sexual outlets, it can be a physiological need for relief in that area. So perhaps as long as it does not become something to be longed for or craved or desired in such a way maybe it is ok in that respect. Just my thoughts as I reason this out on my own.

[Rasklad]

This is prohibited for monks, and I would assume for nuns as well. I have only looked at the vows for monks, but this would be constitute breaking a monastic vow. Actually, if you read the vinaya or the monastic vows, you will find that many of them are aimed at lessening desire in monks and keeping them out of potentially "dangerous situations" in this context, to help overcome what is actually one of the biggest obstacles for male monastic practitioners- sexual desire.

As an aside, even for laypeople, in some practices and systems it is quite advantageous for males to retain these "life essences" while working with the subtle body during certain meditation practices.

Terma

[Assunkkensatt]

This appears to be a highly personal issue and as thoughts/fantasies apply, the nature of such would surely apply similarly to actual actions carried out in the physical realm .

[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.

[bgsavings]

Non-harming is important in Buddhist practice and that includes what is considered to be harmful sexual activity which affects oneself or others, or which is lacking in respect for the feelings of another person.

I don't think the Buddha made any announcements about the specific sexual activities of lay people.

As far as I know there's nothing mentioned about lay-persons masturbation, though it is prohibited for celibate monks and nuns.

However, if it is excessive or obsessive then it is harmful to oneself in terms of over emphasis on sensuality and desire, which in itself may cause dissatisfaction/distress of one kind or another.