In Hinduism, views of sexual morality differ widely depending on the sect. Hindu scriptures themselves are often vague about sexuality. Sexual restraint, by some, may be considered essential to a Hindu's well being and dharmic/karmic duties. Sexual variance was seen as a creative expression and was not expressly discouraged; it was also encouraged as a part of a human soul's need to experience the multifariousness that the world has to offer; but it is deemed, as with any other worldly act, impermanent and imperfect compared to the bliss of moksha. Religiously speaking, some Hindus believe life begins at the Brahmacharya or "student" state, in which they are directed to advance themselves educationally and spiritually to prepare themselves for a life of furthering their dharma and karma. Once they reach the Grihstya or "householder" state can they seek kama (physical pleasure) and artha (world achievement, material prosperity), but it is believed reproduction and starting a family is the dharma of the householder. The Kama Sutra, widely believed to be jut a manual for sexual congress, offers an insight into sexual mores, ethics, and societal rules that were prevalent at that time.
Hindu views of homosexuality and, in general, LGBTQ issues, are diverse. Homosexuality is regarded as one of the possible expressions of human desire and Hindu stories have portrayed homosexual experience. The Manusmriti, which lists the oldest codes of conduct that were proposed to be followed by a Hindu, admonishes homosexual behavior only mildly. Homosexual behavior among ordinarily males of the priestly class is classified only as a minor offense for which a ritual bathing is prescribed.
Here are some loosely translated quotes from the Upanishads:
- "When the generative organ, mounted on by intelligence, on obtains bliss, delight and procreation" - Chapter 3 Verse 6
- "Day and night, verily, are Prajapati. Of these, day is the eater, prana and night, the food, rayi. Those who join in sexual enjoyment by day verily dissipate life; but to join in sexual enjoyment by night, verily, castily" - Question 1, Verse 13
Discussion Questions:
1) The Upanishads seem to support sex as an expression of love, but not as an act of lust. Do you think sex that is done as an expression of love between an unmarried couple would be considered sinful in Hinduism? i.e. would "chaste" premarital sex be sinful?
2) What do you believe the role of sex is in context of the 4 Purusharthas? (Dharma, Artha, Moksha, Kama)
3) What are some ways that sex has become more prominent in Hinduism and Indian culture? Was sex always a discussed topic?
4) Do you think Hinduism is explicit on the topic of homosexuality or more ambiguous? Why?
5) Are you a "better" ore more "holy" person by choosing to refrain from sexual activities (even if you think about it all the time)?
6) Is it worse to be in love but not married and have sex, or not to be in love but be married and have sex?
7) Given that sex is a means for procreation, is it okay to have a child that was artificially impregnated in vitro (without having sex)? Is it okay to have sex with your partner if you know that they are infertile and cannot create a child?
Hindu views of homosexuality and, in general, LGBTQ issues, are diverse. Homosexuality is regarded as one of the possible expressions of human desire and Hindu stories have portrayed homosexual experience. The Manusmriti, which lists the oldest codes of conduct that were proposed to be followed by a Hindu, admonishes homosexual behavior only mildly. Homosexual behavior among ordinarily males of the priestly class is classified only as a minor offense for which a ritual bathing is prescribed.
Here are some loosely translated quotes from the Upanishads:
- "When the generative organ, mounted on by intelligence, on obtains bliss, delight and procreation" - Chapter 3 Verse 6
- "Day and night, verily, are Prajapati. Of these, day is the eater, prana and night, the food, rayi. Those who join in sexual enjoyment by day verily dissipate life; but to join in sexual enjoyment by night, verily, castily" - Question 1, Verse 13
Discussion Questions:
1) The Upanishads seem to support sex as an expression of love, but not as an act of lust. Do you think sex that is done as an expression of love between an unmarried couple would be considered sinful in Hinduism? i.e. would "chaste" premarital sex be sinful?
2) What do you believe the role of sex is in context of the 4 Purusharthas? (Dharma, Artha, Moksha, Kama)
3) What are some ways that sex has become more prominent in Hinduism and Indian culture? Was sex always a discussed topic?
4) Do you think Hinduism is explicit on the topic of homosexuality or more ambiguous? Why?
5) Are you a "better" ore more "holy" person by choosing to refrain from sexual activities (even if you think about it all the time)?
6) Is it worse to be in love but not married and have sex, or not to be in love but be married and have sex?
7) Given that sex is a means for procreation, is it okay to have a child that was artificially impregnated in vitro (without having sex)? Is it okay to have sex with your partner if you know that they are infertile and cannot create a child?
In reference to question #3, whether or not sex was openly discussed is debatable. However, it was always present in many different aspects of life. The walls of many different temples are made up of different images - many of which are depicting Gods in various sexual positions. Most people just walk right by and probably have not noticed such things. Additionally, many sculptures of Gods and Goddesses are either partly nude, or represent the union of the man and woman. The "Shivling" is a classical example that represents creation and fertility. This is expressed through the two reproductive organs. The "ling" is a representation of a male's penis entering the female's vagina.
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DeleteIn my opinion when it comes to question #1, yes I believe that it would be considered sinful because Lord Krishna loved Radha but there is no where out there that says anything about how they consummated their love. Their love was sometimes shown from afar and sometimes shown closely but never did they consummate. I believe that this was done because Lord Krishna also respected Radha and that is why he did not consummate with her. He knew that if they consummated (and since she was married to SOMEONE ELSE) this would take away her good name out of selfishness. Therefore, yea, it would be considered sinful because love does not need to be consummated and this is the perfect example.
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