Sexuality and the Liberated Ones in Theravāda Buddhism

Abstract

This research article studies the types of sexuality compatible with the lifestyle of liberated persons in Buddhism; asexual, romantic-asexual, and aromantic-asexual. The study reveals that the first two classes of liberated persons; the stream-enterer (Sotāpanna) and the once-returner (Sakadāgāmī), have sexuality like common people. Their sexuality found in Buddhist scriptures is monosexual as well as heterosexual. The non-returner (Anāgāmī) who still clings to some subtle form or fine-material existence can be interpreted as having sexuality. Their sexuality is asexual along with romantic type. The non-returner who clings to some formless existence can be interpreted as having sexuality. Their sexuality is asexual along with aromantic type. The fully liberated ones (Arhats) cannot be determined as having sexuality because their mind-pattern is peculiar and supports non-sexuality. The arhats do not have sexuality. But having no sexuality does not mean having no attraction toward others. The arhats can have some kinds of attraction that are not derived from the drive of sexuality.