For all humans, sexual desire and attraction are natural and, for most, an inevitable part of lived experience. As in all things, desire must be moderated so as not to give way to its unskillful, blinding counterpart — lust. Restraint should be practiced, as indulging in every whim can quickly lead to a cycle of craving and dissatisfaction. One who pursues pleasure for its own sake will never find fulfillment.

That restraint should be practiced does not mean that any aspect of sex or the human body is shameful. Such things should not be shunned or hidden away, but celebrated, enjoyed, and rightfully recognized as creative aspects of Nature. The human body should be revered as the beautiful manifestation of the universe that it is, which extends to self-care.

Shame regarding one’s own sexual thoughts and desires causes far more suffering than the thoughts themselves. Sex is a natural drive, present in many living things, and should not be a source of guilt or something one seeks to repress. As long as one’s sexual feelings do not cause harm, they are not inherently skillful or unskillful, but rather neutral, like breathing.

Sexual intimacy should be deeply cherished for it serves as a reminder of the deep bonds shared between all things, reinforcing the interconnectedness of life. Within the framework of Jiaya, intimacy can be regarded as a metaphor for the merging and flowing of all things within Ji. When two or more people are genuinely connected, the illusion of separateness diminishes and the unity of reality is revealed. Thus, sexuality must not be reduced to a mechanism for reproduction. It can be a means of deep relational connection, creative expression, and joy. What matters most is that in sexual intimacy, as in all things, one embodies skillful, compassionate intention. It is especially important that one takes into account the pleasure of all rather than only oneself; such egoistic thinking is disaligned with Ji.

Because all things share a common origin and are fundamentally equal (Unity Principle), discriminating against others based on the gender or sex to which they are attracted contradicts the order of Ji. Instead, one should embrace self-discovery and reflection on one’s own identity, allowing it to cultivate deeper compassion and empathy for oneself and others. It is wise to avoid attachments to rigid labels and social concepts regarding sexuality, as these are fluid rather than absolute.

Sexual misconduct — referring to all non-consensual acts such as rape and harassment — are unconditionally harmful and unskillful. Consent is the foundation of ethical sexual interaction — parties must be willing participants before engaging in any sexual activity. Children, due to their limited understanding of sex, consent, and boundaries, are inherently vulnerable; thus, all sexual relations with them are exploitative and fall under the purview of sexual misconduct. This distinction also applies to situations in which power dynamics are at play such as an employer-employee relationship.

The rise of technology has made pornography (not to be confused with depictions of sex or the human body in art) and erotica more accessible than ever. As with all things, mindfulness must be applied when engaging with such content. Concerning pornography, one should consider the ethics of its production, as well as the messages it may convey about sex and relationships. Engaging with either porn or erotica is not inherently unskillful, so long as one does so with the proper awareness and discernment.

For some, the path to inner peace and reconciliation with Ji may involve prolonged periods of celibacy or refraining from sexual intimacy altogether. Such decisions are valid when guided by insight and a sincere desire for inner balance, rather than aversion to the body or shame. Celibacy should be practiced with compassion for oneself and must always be a personal choice. Forcing people to be celibate or conform sexually in other ways due to one’s personal beliefs inevitably leads to repression and physical and emotional harm.