Buddhism and gay

BACKGROUND

While a full examination of Buddhism is beyond this brief overview, we encourage further exploration of this intricate faith.

Guiding the lives of over 500 million worldwide, Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, is often viewed not solely as a religion, but as a way of life and a profound psychological approach. This influential belief system emphasizes individual enlightenment and personal responsibility.

Various schools, each with unique interpretations, form the bedrock of Buddhist practice. Theravada Buddhism, often referred to as Southern Buddhism, is recognized for its traditional approach and historical significance, primarily practiced in Southern Asia. Conversely, Mahayana Buddhism, or Northern Buddhism, presents a more varied and expansive view. Vajrayana Buddhism, known as Tibetan Buddhism, integrates elements of both Theravada and Mahayana traditions, gaining significant traction in the United States. In the contemporary West, Theravada, Zen (a Mahayana branch), and Tibetan Buddhism are most prevalent.

Core tenets within all Buddhist schools encompass the Three Universal Seals (fundamental principles of existence), the Four Noble Truths (philosophical insights), the 12 Links of Dependent Origination (laws of interconnectedness) and the Eightfold Path (a guide to spiritual growth). As a subset of the Eightfold Path, the Five Precepts provide voluntary moral guidelines. These principles encompass:

1. Avoiding the infliction of harm: I dedicate myself to abstaining from violence toward sentient beings. I pledge to extend compassion and kindness to all living entities.
2. Rejecting theft: I vow to refrain from stealing—accepting only freely given resources. I aspire to generosity and responsible resource management.
3. Preventing sexual misconduct: I pledge to abstain from actions that harm myself or others through sexual behavior. My intentions are to express sexuality in a beneficial and joyful manner.
4. Upholding honest communication: I commit to refraining from falsehoods, unkindness, and idle chatter. My goal is to communicate in a truthful and appropriate manner.
5. Avoiding the misuse of intoxicants: I vow to refrain from using substances that obscure the mind. I strive for clarity and openness of heart.

While Buddhism lacks a single, definitive stance on LGBTQ+ issues, the Third Precept is most frequently cited in discussions surrounding these matters.

LGBTQ+ EQUALITY

ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY

Siddhartha Gautama did not explicitly address sexual orientation, and the Pali Canon, containing the foundational teachings, offers no direct guidance regarding same-sex relations. The Vinyana, a text specifically for monks, prohibits all sexual relations within the monastic order, encompassing men, women, and those with ambiguous or non-normative sexual characteristics—specifically referencing individuals like pandanka (those outside conventional sexual identities, such as prostitutes). However, these prohibitions do not single out LGBTQ+ individuals; rather, they apply to all within the monastic order, emphasizing the importance of celibacy.

Zen Buddhism emphasizes avoiding harmful actions toward others, which translates to opposing exploitation or manipulation in any relationship, including those of different genders. Thus, practices like hedonism, harmful asceticism, and exploitation are seen as violations of the "Middle Way."

The Dalai Lama's views on this topic have evolved and are complex. While he has condemned violence against LGBTQ+ individuals and expressed openness to considering how modern science may inform Buddhist teachings, his statements regarding LGBTQ+ practices have also reflected traditional interpretations, mentioning these activities as generally incompatible with Buddhist principles.

ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Defining Buddhism's stance on same-sex marriage is challenging, given the diversity of viewpoints within the faith. The focus on individual enlightenment dictates a personalized path towards spiritual fulfillment, and beliefs regarding marriage rights for same-sex couples are, therefore, often expressions of personal conviction rather than religious dogma.

ON NON-DISCRIMINATION

Without a centralized governing body, a cohesive policy on LGBTQ+ non-discrimination within the American Buddhist community is absent. Nevertheless, significant support exists for protections against discrimination; 78 percent of American Buddhists, according to the Public Religion Research Institute, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in housing, employment, and public life.

ON ORDINATION

No Buddhist school mandates the exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from religious orders. While certain temples and monasteries may have differing internal regulations, there is no widespread agreement against ordaining LGBTQ+ individuals.