Do not commit sexual misconduct

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Third prohibition

Original term: Third prohibition

Transliteration: Third prohibition

Literal meaning

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust.

Broader interpretation

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Cao Dai Five Prohibitions and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust.

Ethical purpose

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust.

Exceptions and disputes

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Variations across schools or traditions

Short summaries often narrow the fourth and fifth prohibitions, while the canonical explanations address wider conduct.

Modern application

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Truth By Reason analysis

Avoid adultery, coercion, exploitation and betrayal of sexual trust. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

• Sexual conduct
• Human dignity

Sources

• The New Canonical Codes — The Five Prohibitions Primary source