Is Celibacy needed for Zen Practice?

[shikantazen]

In some meditation practices, the importance of not losing your sexual energy too often (or at least having some control) is emphasized.

Will Zazen - Shikantaza style practice be more effective if some amount of sexual restraint is in place? Or does it not matter at all?

- Sam

[Jundo]

Hi Sam,

Depends on the person. Celibacy was mainstream for the monastic community in Buddhism for most of its history, although not for "householders/lay folks". Celibacy is still the right path for some, while householding is the path for others. As well, even for householders, the Teachings emphasize not "misusing sexuality" ... in other words, keeping it healthy and not addictive, abusive or harmful.

About 130 years ago, Japanese Buddhist clergy of all stripes (not only Zen priests) started marrying, although many had been marrying or entering into relationships for centuries before. At first, it was viewed as an attempt to weaken Buddhism (and support Shinto). However, it also has the potential to be one of the most freeing, modernizing and overall best events that ever happened to Buddhism in its history. Perhaps nothing more has served to bring these teachings "out into the world" and to "knock down the monastery walls" to drop the barriers between monks and lay folks.

My own view is that sexuality, like our Oryoki eating, is something to be enjoyed yet held sacred. Balance is possible. One can find the beauty of these practices in the household kitchen as much as in the temple kitchen, by cleaning the children's nursery as much as cleaning a monastery altar, both in the bedroom and everywhere else.

So, in short ... some people may benefit from celibacy in practice. Maybe all of us can benefit from time to time (or face such times whether we want them or not! ) But, no, nothing is "left out" of Shikantaza if balanced and healthy.

Gassho, Jundo

[MyoHo]

Well,

10 years of marriage and raising 3 kids, sure is a good training and practice opportunity!

Gassho

Enkyo

[Heisoku]

I second Enkyo!

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[Joyo]

Well,

10 years of marriage and raising 3 kids, sure is a good training and practice opportunity!

Gassho

Enkyo

How true!!

[shikantazen]

Thanks Jundo

[chicanobudista]

Well,

10 years of marriage and raising 3 kids, sure is a good training and practice opportunity!

Gassho

Enkyo

Second that!

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[Nengyo]

>Is Celibacy needed for Zen Practice?

Is the opposite of celibacy (whatever it's called) ever needed for zen practice? I'm looking for a new line to convince the wife with tonight... if the toddler ever goes to bed of course that is.

[Joyo]

>Is Celibacy needed for Zen Practice?

Is the opposite of celibacy (whatever it's called) ever needed for zen practice? I'm looking for a new line to convince the wife with tonight... if the toddler ever goes to bed of course that is.

lol!!!

[Myozan Kodo]

It is recommended to be celibate for the duration of Zazen, I believe. :-)
Gassho
Myozan

[Daitetsu]

@Nengyo and Myozan: *ROFL*

@Sam:
Having sex is a natural part of being a human (and of course for most animals - and we humans are also animals, of course).
Denying/negating sex is negating our nature, denying an important and natural part of our life.
Zen is about life and embracing every aspect of it - and this includes sex, too.
(Long term) Celibacy is unnatural for me, as it negates life in a certain way.

In my arrogant opinion...

Gassho,

Timo

[Mp]

It is recommended to be celibate for the duration of Zazen, I believe. :-)
Gassho
Myozan

LOL ... Good anwser Myozan.

Gassho
Shingen

[Amelia]

Haha! Myozan!

[Kyonin]

It is recommended to be celibate for the duration of Zazen, I believe. :-)
Gassho
Myozan

Brilliant!



Gassho,

Kyonin

[Nengyo]

It is recommended to be celibate for the duration of Zazen, I believe. :-)
Gassho
Myozan

Well, I'll try, but I'm not promising anything!