Engaging in sensual activities can be damaging in the long run because that maintains us in the Samsāra. This is why we must strive to become arahant. King Bimbisāra is assured of attaining Nibbāna in seven bhava, even though he had several wives. Some yogis live in seclusion and attain jhānas without becoming sotāpanna. While they may go to the Brahma worlds after death, they are not free from the four apayas and, consequently, from Kāma raga. King Bimbisāra will inevitably be free from Kāma raga after his seven bhavas.
Even pursuing degrees through education can be linked to Kāma raga. Many crave recognition and the sensory benefits that come with it. In India, there are extremely tough exams to enter the civil service. Why do people aspire to public service? Is it really for survival, or to gain advantages? Some individuals manage to survive with minimal education, such as Dalits (those outside of the caste system). Why not follow that path? After all, we just need the basics: shelter, food, medicine, and clothing. There seems to be no need for extensive studies to obtain these necessities, right? Most people desire more than just the minimum, often driven by pride. Isn’t this a form of Kāma raga?
From the perspective of Buddha Dhamma, there is nothing immoral with having a doctorate or living comfortably with considerable wealth. However, according to Anagamis and Arahants, it can still be seen as greed (Therefore dommageable for our liberation), even if no harm is caused in the process. This is why they refrain from such pursuits. Monks don’t need to own any money; why do you have a bank account? Bhikkhus demonstrate that we can live without a bank account, even if society suggests otherwise.
The same applies to people who are single, married, or have multiple spouses. Everyone has their own tendencies. King Bimbisāra and Venerable Ananda were both sotāpanna. They deserve our admiration because they have eliminated 99% of the suffering associated with Samsāra. One continued to enjoy his relationships. Does that make him immoral? As long as they don’t cause mental and physical suffering to others, there is nothing wrong. A sotāpanna will never willingly engage in this kind of action. The key is to become sotāpanna to ensure that one can achieve anagami or arahant status and, thus, be free from sensual pleasures.
