Good Morning Ed,
*chuckles* Not a bad idea, but I imagine the bureacracy of ever getting this
done-- let alone "standardized" is elusive. But then-- anything practical and
useful usually is;) ~ k
--- On Fri, 2/18/11, ED <seacrofter...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: ED <seacrofter...@yahoo.com>
Subject: [Zen] Re: Sex & The Enlightened Ones
To: Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com
Date: Friday, February 18, 2011, 8:28 PM
Empower every Sangha member to create his/her own reality: When he/she joins
the Sangha, he/she should be required to sign a statement as to whether
he/she is or is not open to intimate relations with the teacher,
which statement will be shown to the teacher, who understands that his/her
position is in jeopardy if he/she violates a student's wishes. ...
--ED
--- In Zen_Forum@yahoogroups.com, Kristy McClain <healthyplay1@...> wrote:
>
>
> Hi Anthony,
>
> From a logical viewpoint, I think your initial comment may be right. Your
> follow-up adds a condition that seems prudent and correct, but changes it
> somehow because we are now dealing with two un-enlightened beings.
> Enter: Ego, jealousy and "property rights".
>
> I believe that if the subject of fidelity is discussed and agreed upon by
> both in the beginning of the relationship and / or marriage, then whether or
> not one or both engage in sex with others, is a non-issue. Does a marital
> contract (in the USA) preclude taking on other lovers, or is it only inserted
> in the vows if both agree to them up front?
>
> For me, its a non-issue anyway. I see this type of thing as silly. I am very
> confident that my husband loves me, and wanted to make this commitment--for
> many reasons. My self-esteem and sense of security is not threatened by the
> idea that he may have sex with another woman.
>
> I think its the secrecy that creates the problem. When you review the
> biology and anthropology on sexuality and males, its clear than monogamy is
> not a reasonable option for most. So its the psychology and property rights
> that mandate this, historically.
>
> As you point out, one dons another cap--switching from enlightened mind to
> lustful mind. When sexuality is repressed or regulated by social norms, it so
> often seems that the most heinous acts result. I recognize that many choose
> celibacy while on their spiritual path. i respect those choices. I'm just
> unclear why having sex with more than one person, even if married, is
> considered sexual misconduct. I thought zen was ridding itself of all the
> Judeo-Christian morality norms. I thought one of the teachings is to cease
> the judgement of self and others.
>
> Kristy
