[Buddha-l] Query on authority of Buddhist texts on sexuality

[Sharon Smith]

Dear Colleagues,



I am writing a book chapter on Buddhism and sexuality in terms of what
Buddhist texts have to say on these issues.  I am aware of the key texts on
this matter.  My query concerns the relative weighting of what Buddhist
scriptural texts say compared to other 'authorities', social/religious
tradition and personal experience.  It seems that Abrahamic faiths place
much greater emphasis on what textual authorities say on these issues than
does Buddhism.  I may be wrong, but it seems to me that Buddhism is 'less
fundamentalist' than other faiths.  For this reason, in my chapter, I am
focusing on how Buddhists live out these issues.  I would be grateful to
hear colleagues' views on these matters.



With thanks in advance and best wishes, Sharon Smith/Vijayatara