Thought it was interesting when I came across a posting in a western Buddhist group in Facebook that asks for the Buddhist views on masturbation. I was wondering if this question arises because of the present lockdown of the world as a result of covid-19 pandemic. Prior to that, already people were joking about the possibility of a population boom as a result of having to stay home for so long a time and there were advices of stocking up besides tissue papers, condoms. I was doubting too if Asians would post such a question or if sex is always on their minds and if their views would be as open. A commenter was of the opinion that there is nothing wrong with engaging in self-pleasure as long as there is no clinging and craving and, in moderation he said; and not hurting other people; but added that abstinence is all the better because it does not interfere with the practice of meditation. As another commenter said in his own words, masturbation is fun but like many things, it's useless and functions only to extend craving without helping much in liberation, which of course in Buddhism, is Nirvana.
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