Cattāri Brahmavihārā

I undertake the training rule to refrain from sexual misconduct and excessive sensuality.

I the Five Precepts, the rule to refrain from sexual misconduct is a pretty straightforward affair: don’t engage in adultery or criminal sexual behavior. In the traditional formulation things like autoeroticism and viewing pornographic media fall outside the bounds of the rule but adding the phrase “excessive sensuality” brings all of these things within the scope of training. But because sensuality has such a strong pull on my mind and behavior I have further developed the theme with aditional training rules aimed to protect my practice and shield me from fearful states as a result of unbridled sexual energy.

May we all learn to relate skillfully to our sexuality until we can give it up completely.