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The thrid precept states to abstain from sexual misconduct.

I was wondering if anyone could tell em what they think "Sexual Misconduct" Entails?

I myself don't beleive that sex it wrong. I believe that it is 100% natural and a function of the human body. Misconduct to me would be abusing or neglecting this wonderful natural ability. Misconduct, for me, also entials sex that the other person has not agreed to (rape) or sex with someone to young to thoughtfully decide (petophilia) or sex with multiple people and lots of it. Other than that i think sex is a wonderful thing, and homosexual sex, or un-married sex is just fine, as long as you know what a gift to your body it is and that the person you're having sex with is someone whom you love dearly.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this? ^__^

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I think Rin has hit it on the head... no so much "misconduct" as "attachment". If one feels they need to have sex, and must have sex and desire sex so much that it causes misconduct because of their attachment to sex, then they break the precept.

But remember, there are no sins, and there is no divine consequence for breaking a precept.
There are only actions and their effect.

Yup ... the 5 basic percepts are for the purpose of good ... away from attractment and in harmony with the laws of kamma (action and reaction) ... mrgreen

Oh, I agree, [StealingBread]. Sex is a thing of life. Heck, how can there BE life without sex? :] Heh. Anyway, to me "sexual misconduct" would be rape, prostitution, beastiality, *****, addiction to sex, or huge orgies. I think most of those are self-explanatory.

I myself am a lesbian, and enjoy women's bodies and much as their love and them as a person. Also, sex should be limited to people who love each other, not casual sex or one-night stands("casual sex" is kind of an oxymoron though, isn't it? rolleyes ). I think a threesome if fine though. I mean, if I invited my friend to join my girlfriend and I, I don't think there'd be a problem(yeah, most of my female friends are bi. ^_~). I love my girlfriend, and my friend both, just in different ways.

Again, it depends on the person to what "sexual misconduct" entails. I think the basic approach would be "as long as it doesn't hurt you or the other person, physically or emotionally." Ne? 3nodding

I've always thought that sexual misconduct refers to any time sex is used with only personal pleasure in mind. This would include acts of violence, such as rape, or a promiscuous lifestyle. I do not think the third precept is meant to condemn practices such as homosexuality, polygamy, and incest, as long as it is done with love and mutual affection.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. If all participants are willing then I see nothing wrong with any kind of sexual act. However, if it gets out of control(i.e. becoming a NEED), that is when misconduct occurs

I am so glad to see everyone didn't bring down the homosexuals or anything. I'm gay myself and was raised a Catholic yet found Buddhism due to it's universal tolerance and focus on peace. The teachings I read in the Dhammpada made sense...they were practical teachings and honestly people are hard up to find anything wrong with Buddhism. Sexual misconduct I always believed was an addiction to sex, a need or having sex outside of love or a commited relationship. That is just my view, though you are all right to say it changes due to the time and culture. We are fortunate enough to live in these days when people are becoming more tolerant....well at least more people than before.