celibacynumerous single-sense creatures believed to dwell in the generative
organs of humans. Therefore, the Jains also believe that there is a direct
connection between celibacy and non-violence (ahimÛsā), a paramount
virtue among the adherents. Indigenous cultures such as Native American
Indians reject celibacy in favor of stressing sexuality because of its role
in the survival and perpetuation of these societies. It is, however, possible
to discern episodic instances of its practice, such as the game called
anetsā among the Cherokee and certain ritual occasions such as a vision
quest among the Plains Indians.
In some religious traditions, it is possible to renounce sexual relations
and gain sacred status and economic support from society. Buddhist
monks and nuns take vows of celibacy that enable them to become mem-
bers of a fraternity of fellow monks and nuns. This entitles them to sup-
port by the local community in terms of shelter, food, clothing, and
medicine. In turn, these celibates share the teachings of the Buddha and
participate in particular ceremonies, such as funerals, for the benefit of
the people. A Catholic priest or monk takes a vow of celibacy, and
receives economic support by the laity and the institution for which they
perform religious services.
Celibacy represents an invisible mark on the human body, an inscrip-
tion that is often accompanied by distinctive types of clothing to differ-
entiate the celibate from ordinary people. The robes of Buddhist monks
and nuns, the attire of Catholic priests, monks, and nuns, the rags and
natural material worn by some Hindu ascetics, the nakedness of Jain
renouncers and Hindu ascetics are indicative of a special status that is
also often associated with celibacy.
In many religious traditions, celibacy reflects a concern for maintain-
ing purity and thus holiness, which represents order, unity, and perfection
with respect to a person. Thus celibacy can be grasped as part of a process
of becoming holy, complete, perfect, and clean. In classical Hinduism,
sexual relations are considered polluting, and any kind of pollution is
considered dangerous.
The practice of celibacy is frequently associated with the acquisition
of power in such religious traditions as Hinduism and Buddhism, whereas
the loss of power is connected to the resumption of sexual relations. The
Jātaka tales, or stories of the former lives of the historical Buddha, con-
tain a narrative about the Buddha as a powerful ascetic with the ability to
fly because of his assiduous practice of arduous asceticism. Spying the
queen sunbathing naked in a courtyard, he submits to his lust and engages
in sexual congress with the queen, and he then discovers after his tryst
that he has lost all of his powers. Besides the ability to fly, ascetics,
monks, and yogis are known to acquire other powers: the ability to read