>>24525057
Prompt:
>What does this verse mean from Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha (rules for male monks):
>http://www.palicanon.org/index.php/vinaya-pitaka/bhikkhu-pa-imokkha#58-sexual-offence
>58. If a bhikkhu places an object (e.g., dāruṁ vā daṇḍakaṁ vā) around the passage where defecation occurs in an effort to produce discharge, it is to be confessed.
>Some people use it to prohibit homosexuality in general. What is the scholarly opinion?
Great question! The verse you quoted from the **Bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha**, specifically rule 58 about placing an object around the passage where defecation occurs "in an effort to produce discharge," is often cited in discussions about sexual conduct in the Vinaya (the monastic disciplinary code).

### What does this verse mean?

* The rule is about a **bhikkhu (monk)** who inserts an object into his anus (or possibly other orifices) **with the intention to cause sexual discharge** (i.e., ejaculation or sexual release).
* This act is explicitly prohibited and must be confessed by the monk.
* The terms in Pali: *dāruṁ* (a piece of wood) or *daṇḍakaṁ* (a stick or staff) illustrate examples of objects used.
* The focus is on **intentional sexual stimulation** through insertion of objects.

### Why is this rule important?

* The Vinaya strictly prohibits sexual activity for monks; the overarching rule is **complete celibacy**.
* The rule here targets **any sexual act or attempt to cause sexual release**, including masturbation or the use of objects.
* It is about **sexual misconduct**, not just intercourse.

---

### Is this verse a prohibition of homosexuality in general?

* **No, it is not a general prohibition of homosexuality**.
* The Vinaya's central rule is celibacy — monks should not engage in any sexual activity **regardless of partner gender or type of sexual act**.
* This particular rule is about **sexual stimulation through inserted objects**, not about consensual homosexual acts per se.
* Homosexual acts (e.g., intercourse) are also violations of celibacy if committed by monks, but they are not specifically singled out here.
* The Vinaya generally prohibits **any sexual intercourse** or sexual activity by monks, heterosexual or homosexual.
* So, this verse should not be read as a rule about homosexuality in the modern sense but about **prohibited sexual stimulation by insertion of objects**.

---

### What do scholars say?

* **Scholarly consensus** is that this rule is about masturbation or sexual stimulation with objects, not a commentary on homosexuality itself.
* According to Vinaya experts like Bhikkhu Anālayo and others:

* The Vinaya rules **target sexual acts, not sexual orientation**.
* The rules are about **monastic celibacy and purity**.
* The "insertion of objects" is a specific sexual offense, distinct from consensual sexual acts with others.
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