Does Buddhism Condemn Sensual Pleasure?

A few days ago, I posted on Facebook about Tantra, noting that Tantra is not inherently about sex. Instead, its central message is unification — the integration of the sacred with the mundane, the “high” with the “low.” In Tantra, nothing is rejected or condemned. It’s a practice that finds sacredness in everyday life.

Shortly after, a Facebook friend commented, calling my post “inappropriate.” When I asked for clarification, he explained that Tantra, at first glance, seems to be about sex, and introducing this idea would only add confusion. He went on to say that Buddhism teaches sexual desires lead to hell. I asked him for a source from the scriptures, but he didn’t respond.

For a long time, I have taught that intimate relationships can be a spiritual path in my public talks. The puritanical attitude toward sex often seen in popular religion, which demonizes it, seems misguided. With the right mindset, everything — including our intimate experiences — can lead to spiritual growth.

So, what does Buddhism actually teach about sexual pleasure and sensual desire? Buddhism offers a nuanced perspective. It doesn’t outright condemn desire but instead distinguishes between wholesome and unwholesome forms of desire. Desires rooted in love, respect, and ethical behavior, such as those found in healthy sexual relationships, can be…