Home/ Zen/ Teachings/ Mondos (question and answer)/ I am gay; can I become a monk?

I am gay; can I become a monk?

Master Kosen – Published on April 1 – love-and-sexuality

Question

As a gay person practicing Soto Zen, can I become a monk? Is there any difference between being gay or heterosexual in the Zen tradition?
Thank you very much.



Martin

Answer from Master Kosen

The fundamental problems are the same whether one is gay or heterosexual.
When we want to practice the Way authentically, we must forget all social reference points during practice and look only within ourselves.


Kosen


See all mondos