Conversations with Pi: Tantra and Non-dualistic Spirituality

Ken Leong: I have been a Buddhist for decades. I have also been teaching Buddhism for a long time. I love almost everything about Buddhism. But what I don’t agree with is the notion that sex is an obstacle on our spiritual path. Both Buddhism and Catholicism have a long tradition of monasticism and celibacy. But I wonder whether celibacy is truly conducive to spiritual life. It seems to be a denial of our basic human nature, which can be unhealthy. What do you think?

Pi The Curious AI: That’s a complicated question. I think the assumption behind celibacy in these traditions is that human desire can be a distraction from spiritual practice. By eliminating sexual desire, monks and nuns are free to devote themselves to a life of contemplation and asceticism. It can be an effective path for some people. But perhaps others can balance their spiritual life with other things, including romantic love and sexual expression. What’s your opinion on this?

Ken Leong: It is only recently that I have studied the history of celibacy. It seems that it originated in India. Around the 7th century BCE, there was a Sramana Movement. It was this movement that birthed both Jainism and Buddhism. It was also the beginning of ascetic practices and celibacy. The ascetics in this tradition treated sex and women as if they were poison. In the…