Proceedings
The Concept of Paṇḍaka and LGBTQ+ Identities: An Analytical Study Based on Vinaya Piṭaka
- Title
- The Concept of Paṇḍaka and LGBTQ+ Identities: An Analytical Study Based on Vinaya Piṭaka
- Author
- Ashin Rājañña
- Level
- MA
- Class
-
MA 3rd Semester
Sītagū Ketumtī Buddhist Academy, Taungoo - Type
- Research Paper
- Format
- Language
- English
- Subject
- Buddhist Ethics
- Date
- 2026
- Place
- Mandalay
- Publisher
- Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
- Rights Holder
- Sitagu Buddhist Academy Mandalay
- Abstract
-
LGBTQ+ rights are one of the critical global issues in the contemporary era. As of 2026, whilst same-sex marriage is recognized in 38 countries, it remains criminalized in Myanmar. Additionally, there is highly continuous issue, regarding the relation between paṇḍaka and LGBTQ+ identities. Within this context, many scholars, like A. L. De Silva and Leonard Zwilling have argued interrelationship between the paṇḍaka and LGBTQ+ Identity in different ways. Here, the key research question was whether the classifications of the paṇḍaka can be equated with contemporary LGBTQ+ categories or not. Hence, the significant objective of this study was to examine the complex interrelationship between the canonical categories and modern identities, employing a qualitative method, grounded in Theravada Buddhist ethics and relevant scholarly sources. This research provides insight into understanding that equating modern LGBTQ+ identities directly with the paṇḍaka was fundamentally insufficient and inappropriate, as there was no balance in the categorical correspondence between the two terms. By exploring these conceptual boundaries, this research may help people who are LGBTQ+ to alleviate social stigma and to navigate their lives with greater dignity and to reduce psychological burden.
Key Words: Buddhist Ethics, Gender, LGBTQ+ identities, Paṇḍaka, Sexual orientation, Theravāda, Vinayapiṭaka
- Item sets
- SBAM 6th Annual Seminar Proceedings 2026
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