Monks and Relationships?

MindGate

I heard that monks take the vow of celibacy. So, that means no sex. Does that mean that forbids them from having a non-sexual relationship with a partner? Would it forbid kissing?

Or do monks, like Zen monks, not have to take a vow like that and are allowed to just marry and stuff openly?

Just wondering.

DhammaDhatu

Celibacy is a Theravada thing. Mahayana, Zen, etc, have different rules for those in robes.

A Theravada monk is forbidden to touch a woman physically (with a mind of affection, lust, etc) or even be alone with a woman.

A Theravada monk that touches a woman with a mind of affection or lust commits an offense. A Theravada monk that masturbates commits an offense. A Theravada monk that has sexual intercourse with a man, woman or animal is defeated and must disrobe.

(Of course, if a woman is drowning in a river, a monk can save her because his mind here is not overcome with affection or lust). Whether a Theravada monk commits an offense is influenced by their mind's intention.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinaya http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/ariyesako/layguide.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/bmc1/bmc1.intro.html
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/bmc2/bmc2.intro.html

Kind regards

compassionate_warrior

All take celibacy vows, but if they want to marry, they give back their vows.

DaltheJigsaw

This is interesting.
Would love to hear more.

rainbowwarrior

interesting book to read about this topic is Lust for Enlightenment