We be bloggin'

Hey again! We’re back for yet another day of Niji Nights 2026! This year I thought to bring up an interesting topic relating spiritualism and acceptance in a food for thought topic. It’s about enlightenment and happiness, an a way the two coincide and that is what makes this practice extra special. So let’s get into it!

What caught my attention was a video I came across a while ago that got me thinking deeper on the subject. Buddhism has nothing to do with sexuality or gender. Since the point of Buddhism is about enlightenment the purpose is to find inner peace among diversity and respect. Buddhism is about treating everyone with the same respect in the pursuit of kindness.

Below is a video about being someone who is Queer and Buddhist:

https://youtu.be/WoGG21xyc5s?is=Y9QNbDC8YjOlo7LY

In a lot of ways, Buddhism offers a safe haven for all people allowing officiating weddings and funeral rites for those in the queer community and those who are not. It is true acceptance because they believe that there shouldn’t be a division. Living into a true and honest version of oneself while showing kindness to those around you. That goes for what monks wear too.

A monk’s uniform is to mirror the image of Buddha in a way. To give up material needs and renounce your wealth to follow the path of enlightenment. Which means, everyone wears the rectangular cloth. Everyone. It is made to cover the chest, shoulders and knees in an effort to keep modest. There is no gendered differences since everyone at the monetary wears it the same. Not to say that it has always been this way…

Like most other spiritual practices, there is a history of male & male relationships between older members and young members of the practice that opens up a different dialogue in the name of dedication, called Chogi. This role of Chogi allowed certain younger members who dedicated their bodies and spirits to be a special practice of spiritual prayer by becoming one with a priest and the gods by wearing makeup, bright colors, and performing consummating acts. The practice has long been abolished but it does bring up some interesting perspectives about the rite that I think is questionable to say the least since it’s hard to tell the difference between sexual freedom and religious practice. But, anything involving adolescents should be scrutinized regardless. It didn’t feel right not introducing  some of this history before diving into the appearances of monks.

Below is the Dalai Lama’s opinion on same sex relationships:

https://youtu.be/pJVvVSr8E2M?is=sfUZzrWYYI6Ue4pa

From a more modern discussion of the topic in Buddhism, it’s frankly no one’s business what preferences others have when choosing romantic or sexual partners. In other words, no other person or institution should have a say over another individual when it comes to this topic.  Fighting or arguing needlessly about this kind of thing is such a waste of time. (Other old spiritual practices think the same.)

And that’s the word of Buddhism. Interesting, no?  Anyways, I recommend looking into it more yourselves.

AishiteLOVEru~

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