Ask A Monk: Pornography and Masturbation (and Addiction in General)

Summary

Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu explains addiction through the Buddhist teaching of dependent origination: a sensory object can produce a pleasant feeling, which can lead to craving and then attachment. Repeatedly linking an object with pleasure may strengthen this pattern. He argues that meditation and clear understanding can weaken the links in this cycle.

Strategies Discussed

• Examine the pattern rather than judging it: Look closely at the object, the feeling it produces, and the desire that follows. Treating an urge as shameful or catastrophizing about it may add anxiety and reinforce preoccupation.
• Use mindful noting: Silently label what is happening—for example, “seeing,” “pleasure,” or “wanting”—and observe it as an experience rather than immediately acting on it.
• Contemplate the body realistically: Examine body parts and their ordinary physical qualities to challenge idealized ideas of beauty and desirability.
• Observe pleasant feelings without automatically pursuing them: Notice pleasure as a temporary sensation, without assuming it is inherently beneficial or requires a particular next action.
• Recognize craving as tension: View wanting as restlessness or stress, and observe that tension without scolding or suppressing it.
• Reduce guilt and attachment: Seeing urges and feelings clearly, rather than labeling oneself as bad, may lessen both guilt and the pull to repeat the behavior.

The speaker presents these as Buddhist meditation approaches, not as clinical treatment. He also suggests observing addictive behaviors rather than simply avoiding them; this is his view in the video, not a universal recommendation for managing addiction.

Presenters and Sources

• Yuttadhammo Bhikkhu — Presenter and source of the Buddhist teaching.
• Anonymous questioner — Asks about pornography, masturbation, and addiction.