An Analyzis of Sexual Ethics from Buddhadàsa's Perspective

Abstract

This research article is a documentary study which aimed at analyzing the ethics of sexual intercourse from Buddhadàsa's perspective using the conceptual framework of sexual ethics in the West. It was found that Buddhadàsa does not use the word "sexual intercourse" when addressing the topic of sexual ethics. Rather, the word is used in referring to a certain meaning of such words as follows: sensuality-element (Kàmadhàtu), sex, lay people (Gharàvàsa, reproduction, and sensual pleasure (Kàmàrammańa. Buddhadàsa is of the view that engaging in sexual intercourse has only one true purpose, i.e. reproduction, and thus reproduction is the sexual activity engaged by a man and a woman intended to give birth to a child. In comparison to Western concepts of sexual intercourse, Buddhadàsa’s view is most aligned with the Natural Law Theory, pertaining especially to the ultimate goal of sexual relations. Unlike sexual intercourse from Kantian ethics and utilitarianism, the former focuses on autonomy and respect for the person while the latter emphasizes the overall happiness of sex. Therefore, their viewpoints are completely different from that of Buddhadàsa. As compared to the Virtue Theory, Buddhadàsa view of sexual intercourse is consistent with it in that Buddhadàsa view supports the conservative sexual ethics but it looks completely different from the Virtue Theory.