Difference between revisions of "Buddhist Views on Marriage"
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In [[Buddhism]], [[marriage]] is regarded as entirely a personal, {{Wiki|individual}} [[concern]] and not as a [[religious]] duty. | In [[Buddhism]], [[marriage]] is regarded as entirely a personal, {{Wiki|individual}} [[concern]] and not as a [[religious]] duty. | ||
| − | [[Marriage]] is a {{Wiki|social}} convention, an institution created by man for the well-being and [[happiness]] of man, to differentiate [[human]] {{Wiki|society}} from [[animal]] [[life]] and to maintain [[order]] and [[harmony]] in the process of procreation. Even though the [[Buddhist texts]] are [[silent]] on | + | [[Marriage]] is a {{Wiki|social}} convention, an institution created by man for the well-being and [[happiness]] of man, to differentiate [[human]] {{Wiki|society}} from [[animal]] [[life]] and to maintain [[order]] and [[harmony]] in the process of procreation. Even though the [[Buddhist texts]] are [[silent]] on the subject of monogamy or polygamy, the [[Buddhist]] laity is advised to limit themselves to one wife. The [[Buddha]] did not lay rules on married [[life]] but gave necessary advice on how to [[live]] a [[happy]] married [[life]]. There are ample inferences in His sermons that it is [[wise]] and advisable to be faithful to one wife and not to be sensual and to run after other women. The [[Buddha]] realised that one of the main [[causes]] of man’s downfall is his involvement with other women (Parabhava [[Sutta]]). Man must realise the difficulties, the trials and tribulations that he has to undergo just to maintain a wife and a family. These would be magnified many times when faced with calamities. [[Knowing]] the frailties of [[human nature]], the [[Buddha]] did, in one of His [[precepts]], advise His followers of refrain from committing [[adultery]] or sexual misconduct. |
The [[Buddhist]] [[views]] on [[marriage]] are very liberal: in [[Buddhism]], [[marriage]] is regarded entirely as personal and {{Wiki|individual}} [[concern]], and not as a [[religious]] duty. There are no [[religious]] laws in [[Buddhism]] compelling a [[person]] to be married, to remain as a bachelor or to lead a [[life]] of total chastity. It is not laid down anywhere that [[Buddhists]] must produce children or regulate the number of children that they produce. [[Buddhism]] allows each {{Wiki|individual}} the freedom to decide for himself all the issues pertaining to [[marriage]]. It might be asked why [[Buddhist]] [[monks]] do not marry, since there are no laws for or against [[marriage]]. The [[reason]] is obviously that to be of service to mankind, the [[monks]] have chosen a way of [[life]] which includes [[celibacy]]. Those who renounce the [[worldly]] [[life]] keep away from married [[life]] voluntarily to avoid various [[worldly]] commitments in [[order]] to maintain [[peace]] of [[mind]] and to dedicate their [[lives]] solely to serve others in the [[attainment]] of [[spiritual]] [[emancipation]]. | The [[Buddhist]] [[views]] on [[marriage]] are very liberal: in [[Buddhism]], [[marriage]] is regarded entirely as personal and {{Wiki|individual}} [[concern]], and not as a [[religious]] duty. There are no [[religious]] laws in [[Buddhism]] compelling a [[person]] to be married, to remain as a bachelor or to lead a [[life]] of total chastity. It is not laid down anywhere that [[Buddhists]] must produce children or regulate the number of children that they produce. [[Buddhism]] allows each {{Wiki|individual}} the freedom to decide for himself all the issues pertaining to [[marriage]]. It might be asked why [[Buddhist]] [[monks]] do not marry, since there are no laws for or against [[marriage]]. The [[reason]] is obviously that to be of service to mankind, the [[monks]] have chosen a way of [[life]] which includes [[celibacy]]. Those who renounce the [[worldly]] [[life]] keep away from married [[life]] voluntarily to avoid various [[worldly]] commitments in [[order]] to maintain [[peace]] of [[mind]] and to dedicate their [[lives]] solely to serve others in the [[attainment]] of [[spiritual]] [[emancipation]]. | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
| − | [http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/MoreQA.htm web.singnet.com.sg] | + | [http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/MoreQA.htm web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo] |
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
[[Category:Buddhism Related Articles]] | [[Category:Buddhism Related Articles]] | ||
Latest revision as of 04:55, 26 October 2013
In Buddhism, marriage is regarded as entirely a personal, individual concern and not as a religious duty.
Marriage is a social convention, an institution created by man for the well-being and happiness of man, to differentiate human society from animal life and to maintain order and harmony in the process of procreation. Even though the Buddhist texts are silent on the subject of monogamy or polygamy, the Buddhist laity is advised to limit themselves to one wife. The Buddha did not lay rules on married life but gave necessary advice on how to live a happy married life. There are ample inferences in His sermons that it is wise and advisable to be faithful to one wife and not to be sensual and to run after other women. The Buddha realised that one of the main causes of man’s downfall is his involvement with other women (Parabhava Sutta). Man must realise the difficulties, the trials and tribulations that he has to undergo just to maintain a wife and a family. These would be magnified many times when faced with calamities. Knowing the frailties of human nature, the Buddha did, in one of His precepts, advise His followers of refrain from committing adultery or sexual misconduct.
The Buddhist views on marriage are very liberal: in Buddhism, marriage is regarded entirely as personal and individual concern, and not as a religious duty. There are no religious laws in Buddhism compelling a person to be married, to remain as a bachelor or to lead a life of total chastity. It is not laid down anywhere that Buddhists must produce children or regulate the number of children that they produce. Buddhism allows each individual the freedom to decide for himself all the issues pertaining to marriage. It might be asked why Buddhist monks do not marry, since there are no laws for or against marriage. The reason is obviously that to be of service to mankind, the monks have chosen a way of life which includes celibacy. Those who renounce the worldly life keep away from married life voluntarily to avoid various worldly commitments in order to maintain peace of mind and to dedicate their lives solely to serve others in the attainment of spiritual emancipation.
