THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BUDDHIST ATTITUDE TOWARDS BRAHMACARIYA IN SEEKING LIBERATION

Abstract

This research examines the concept and practice of brahmacariya in Theravāda Buddhism. Brahamacariya means good and moral living; higher religious life in taming the body, mind, and thoughts. The opposite of brahmacariya is abrahmacariya (immoral living) and kāmesumicchācāra (sexual misconduct). People indulged in kāmesumicchācāra and abrahmacariya create many social problems and violate moral ethics. To solve this problem, kāmesumicchācāra and abrahmacariya must be avoided. Abstaining from kāmesumicchācāra is refraining from sexual misconduct with other wives, sons, and daughters; but in a legal marriage, there can be sex between the husband and wife. Abrahmacariya means to refrain from sexual misconduct in not only molesting children and wives of others, but also one’s own spouse. Avoiding abrahmacariya in the whole life without marriage is recognised as komāribrahmacariya. The Dhammika Sutta of the Suttanipāta suggests that one should refrain from sexual intercourse. Inciting, approving, and praising wrongdoers should also be avoided. Although others shall perform abrahmacārī, we shall cultivate brahmacārī. In Buddhist monastic life, monks must constantly refrain from the act of sexual intercourse (methūnadhamma), as described in the Pārājika pāli. If methūnadhamma is engaged, the status of monkhood could be lost. Hence, to be brahmacārī and cultivate good moralities, the avoidances of kāmesumicchācāra and abrahmacariya are indispensable. Besides, according to the Brahmacariya Sutta of the Aṅguttara-Nikāya, brahmacariya is not practised for the welfare of deceiving people (na janakuhanatthaṃ), but for eradicating defilements. The mode of brahmacariya also involves noble search (ariyā-pariyesanā). Bodhisatta and noble seekers renounced their wealth, became hermits or monks, and followed brahmacariya practice for liberation from dukkha. Threefold training: morality, concentration, and wisdom are recognised as brahmacariya-dhamma. Buddha’s disciples are encouraged to follow brahmacariya practice for eliminating lust, hatred, and delusion. Accordingly, we could say that the practice of brahmacariya is important for a seeker who is searching for liberation. This noble practice is undoubtedly the ideal religious life and Buddhist way towards the cessation of dukkha.