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Pornography
Would the use of pornography in itself vilate the 3rd precept of abstaining from sexual misconduct?
and if that in itself was not a vilation of the 3rd precept, would it become a viliation if an indiviual was using pornography whilst they were in a relationship?
I'm curious to find out others views on this question.
Thanks and metta.
and if that in itself was not a vilation of the 3rd precept, would it become a viliation if an indiviual was using pornography whilst they were in a relationship?
I'm curious to find out others views on this question.
Thanks and metta.
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
We should not engage in Sexual misconduct because it brings harm to other people esp our partner if we are married. It usually refers to having sex with someone's husband or wife. IMO, PORNOGRAPHY does not fall into that category.
http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/comment/146204#Comment_146204
Nobody ever asks: Is mowing the grass in the garden against the precepts?
Or nobody ever asks: Is lying to a wall against the precepts?
Why? Because they don't feel there is anything wrong with it.
Sabre :vimp:
But I ment: You probably ask this question because somewhere inside you feel it is not right. The question isn't out of plain interest, it comes up for a reason. You may not be able to recognize the reason that well, but it's there. You incline towards dropping pornography, because following the precepts you don't just do because they are rules, it is a natural cause of following the path.
Questions about mowing the grass don't come up because that is not what you feel is wrong. And that's why there is nothing about it in the precepts, not the other way around.
Anyway, to get to the subject: Girls and boys in porn usually aren't there because they like being filmed doing all those things. They need the money to pay for an addiction for example and are just abused by the industry in a way.
The other effect is what it has on your mind. Most porn brings an incorrect view about sex and to be truly free you need to overcome the desire for sex. Sadly, this is the hardest desire to overcome, so said the Buddha.
If you have a partner there is even a better reason to stop using porn.
Sabre :vimp:
The real questions of course are different ones.
Would the use of pornography really make you happy?
Would it harm anyone?
Please don't accuse long-term members of being either projecting or judgemental.
We have questions on porn, masturbation and sex in general, arise at least once or twice a month.
You asked a question, members are posting in any way they can to answer your questions, and as far as I know the Buddha doesn't contribute, so we answer in the best (non-enlightened) manner we can.
There has been no rudeness, no discourtesy, no dismissal and no belittling of your query, yet this is an issue that arises time, and time, and time again.
I personally see great patience and time taken to respond to youm, even though the subject is apt to be tedious and repetitive....
A little research will tell you that while the precepts were originally given to the monks, the first five are applicable to laypeople/householders, but are not sacrosanct "to be obeyed or else".
Other very common questions on the forum concern the taking of intoxicants, whether Karma really exists, whether all Buddhists should be vegetarians, what Buddhists think of abortion and whether all Buddhists believe in reincarnation, or even rebirth. (strictly speaking, two different phenomena).
Basically, insofar as the precepts are concerned, the first precept covers the person themselves as well as others, and also 'governs' the following four precepts (all apt to bring harm to one's self if the mind and actions are unskilful or un-mindful.)
Pornography is not against the third precept, providing you can be sure that the safety, willingness, dignity and personal safety of all involved are respected and honoured.
If you cannot be certain of this, then abstention from participating in pornography, (whether as a model/actor, or as a purveyor or purchaser) is best avoided.
I hope you enjoy your time with us, however long or short you decide it will be, but please understand, patronising comments are really not encouraged, and it's best to adopt the stance of a polite visitor when you approach established members for information or assistance.
Thank you.
I'm not judging you at all. I said you probably asked this question with a reason and tried to give you some input because you asked for it. There is no simple YES or NO answer to something being against the precepts. If I just said: YES or NO, would it have had any use to you?
As I said: I've been in the situation I'm describing. I used to watch a lot of porn, it was even an addiction at times, so I (think I) know what I'm talking about.
But I was not judging. I'm sorry if you feel offended, that was not my intention at all. I know I can come across blunt sometimes (I've had the comment before), perhaps I need to work on that. But that's also because reading on an internet forum people make their assumptions about the ones at the other side because there is no emotional connection. Might be wise to keep that in mind. It is very easy to misinterpret something you read, especially on such subtle topics as this.
Metta to you too
Sabre :vimp:
Pornography in the context of a relationship is usually IMO infidelity. There are anecdotal reports of older couples who have dysfunctions due to age who watch pornography together in order to enhance their functionality. Therefore, older couples with dysfunctions or other couples with dysfunctions could conceivably watch porn together without it being infidelity.
I think the point of the precept is to "keep our minds out of the gutter", that is, to enhance human dignity. There is very little in porn that enhances human dignity, if at all.