Upvote:0
Generally speaking, sexual misconduct means any sexual conduct that involves violence or lying.
One kind of sex is no worse than the other. It all leads to suffering.
I have never heard of anything on circumcision in the Buddha's teaching but there is a rule that monastics can't cut the penis clear off.
Upvote:1
In general, the Pali Canon is quite exoteric and seems to equate sexual misconduct with various kinds of adulteries. Of course, for a monastic any sexual activity at all with the sole exception of involuntary nocturnal emissions is forbidden by the Vinaya.
Upvote:1
Ideally, sexual pleasure should be avoided since it is craving. But Buddha knew that this was difficult for the laity. Therefore, he suggested that the laity should avoid sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct is simply sexual behavior which is outside social acceptance. And you can interpret that according to your own society.
Upvote:5
Sexual misconduct is defined in the Pali scriptures as having sex with someone else's partner or fiancee and with those living under the protection of their parents or an institution (in the case parents, if the parents disapprove).
The purpose of refraining from sexual misconduct is to not harm/damage existing relationships.
Therefore, having sex for pleasure, using a condom, circumcision, masturbation & oral & anal sex are not, in themselves, sexual misconduct (even though some of these things can be unwholesome & unskilful).