불교와 성 - 수행의 영역인가, 행복의 영역인가-

Abstract

“The symbol of Buddhist practice (出家修⾏) is celibacy.” The Buddha taught that the greatest obstacle on the path to enlightenment is sexual desire. To that extent, sexual desire is a scary and dangerous instinct, and at the same time, it is a gift from nature that anyone can use for their own happiness. We need to be aware that the time has come when we need to be on the lookout for both sexuality in Buddhism that is limited only to the realm of training and to be dismissed only as the realm of happiness. The Four Sections of Buddhists (四部大衆) are a broad community concept that encompass Buddhist Monks and Lay Buddhists. There are celibate Buddhist Monks where sex is prohibited, while there are the married or unmarried Lay Buddhists, where sex is allowed. Moreover, it is a global trend that homosexuality and third sex should be recognized in terms of rights. Of course, they too have no choice but to be included in the general Buddhists. Now is the era of Eudemonism, where individual rights and choices are emphasized. Typically, people are cautious discussing Buddhist Monk sexuality, but there is a possibility that the winds of change are blowing in the Buddhist world in some way. An honest conversation between Sangha (僧伽), who sees and controls sexuality as the realm of ‘practice’, and “lay devotee,” (在家) who views and allows sex as the realm of ‘happiness’ is requested. Sexuality is an eternal moral dilemma that cannot only be prevented or allowed without restrictions. Now, I would like to point out that sexuality is beginning to be recognized by all Buddhist practitioners from the realm of ‘practices or morals’ to ‘the realm of happiness and rights’. This study replaces the conclusion by raising the question that only when Religion is a teaching of the past, a reflection of the present, and a compass for the future, it will be able to maintain its own vitality.