as for Dalai Lama, he is part of a schismed sect & his teachings on homosexuality are Tibetan culture rather than of Buddha. if fact, it seems Dalai Lama even teaches sex is only for reproduction, which in contrary to Buddha
As homosexuality is not explicitly mentioned in any of the Buddha's discourses (more than 20 volumes in the Pali Text Society's English translation), we can only assume that it is meant to be evaluated in the same way that heterosexuality is. And indeed it seems that this is why it is not specifically mentioned.
http://www.buddhanet.net/homosexu.htm
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Dalai Lama was out of line when he said (according to your article in the West, April 15, Page 7) "if you are a Buddhist, homosexuality is wrong. Full stop." The Dalai Lama is not the 'Pope' of Buddhism and, charming as he often is, he sometimes gets it wrong. He is only the head of one of the four main sects of Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism) and he speaks only for his group.
The greater majority of Buddhists throughout the modern world are inspired to learn that the Buddha certainly did not discriminate against homosexuality. The core teachings of original Buddhism clearly show that it is not whether one is heterosexual, homosexual or celibate that is good or bad, but it is how a person uses their sexual orientation that makes for good or bad karma. For example a gay man in a committed, loving and joyful relationship with a male partner is definitely morally superior to a straight married guy who is unfaithful to his wife. Homosexuality is not wrong per se. However, it is bad karma to condemn homosexuality out of hand!
The Dalai Lama's error is to look for his guidance in dodgy scriptures composed many centuries after the time of the Buddha. So the fact is that the Buddha, and therefore Buddhism, embraces gays and lesbians and transexuals with equity and respect. Too long has religious bigotry caused suffering to minority groups in our society. All religions should be more loving. Full stop!
Ajahn Brahm
Abbot of Bodhinyana Buddhist Monastery Spiritual Director of the Buddhist Society of Western Australia"
