Sam Vara wrote: ↑Tue Nov 22, 2022 7:07 pmSex can of course be a source of pleasure and even happiness, but there are many ways in which it can be a source of suffering.Jinny999 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 22, 2022 6:47 pm Hi,
Sexual desire leads to rebirth, I got this, and it's endless rebirth and therefore full of suffering, I got this. But does sex gives me suffering in this life also? How? Can you explain?
Like, if I get married, and live a lay life, how does sex gives me suffering in this life?
I think I'm asking stupid question, but I want to solve this problem. And have good knowledge about this.
Thanks.
It can lead to commitments which are difficult and expensive to maintain (marriage, children, etc.)
It can lead to all sorts of emotional problems such as envy, jealousy, infidelity, lack of self-esteem, etc.
It can lead to addiction.
There are sexually-transmitted infections.
It means we are largely focusing on gaining pleasure, rather than liberating ourselves from suffering.
It doesn't provide lasting fulfilment - whatever the romantic stories and the adverts say.
The sexual partner becomes dear to you, but is inevitably going to be lost through the ending of the relationship or death.
The sexual urge itself can be seen as being painful, a lack of something.
Giving in to sexual desire is another opportunity for our defilements to master us and drive our conduct.
I would also add on to this excellent list those times when ones partner may have a "headache" and may not necessarily be in the mood.