Free Essay: Hinduism Views on Marriage, Love and Sexuality

Hinduism views on marriage, love and sexuality are based on karma. Karma or sensual pleasure in Hinduism forms part of the purusharthas. These are the aims that a human has in life. They are four and they are as follows; moksha, karma, arta and dharma.

In Hinduism, sex is viewed as a good thing that is not only a duty in the life of marriage but a thing that should also be enjoyed as well. Marriage is viewed as a householder stage in the human life. Only married couples are expected to engage in a sexual intercourse. However, some Hindus in the contemporary society are changing this attitude by embracing liberal attitudes on the sexuality topic.

Teachings of Hinduism encourage followers to lead a balanced life. This is a life where a Hindu pursues the four goals properly and attains them. Thus, in Hinduism sexuality is not viewed as something that is inherently immoral or sordid. Instead, it is viewed as an aspiration that is normal and natural whose fulfillment is important for an individual to lead a successful life.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that in Hinduism indulgence in unrestrained sensual pleasure is allowed. While pursuing the four main goals of human life, over indulgence in one activity can lead to negligence of the other. Moksha and dharma are the higher goals in Hinduism. Hinduism teaches that individuals confine sexuality in marriage.

Sexual relationships without restriction or proper preparation are forbidden in Hinduism. However, it should be noted that this is not due to the fact that sex is irreligious or bad but simply because life of an individual can be dominated by the intoxicating pleasure brought by unrestrained indulgence in sex. Additionally, faithfulness is expected within marriage and Hinduism does not approve of adultery.

In the teachings of Hinduism, self-control is considered important. In the life stage called brahmacharya, which is usually around the age of 25 years, young people should concentrate on education. At this age, sexual relationships are considered to be a distraction and therefore young people at this life stage are encouraged to keep off from such relationships.

Hindu scriptures do not mention homosexuality. Many Hindus view homosexuality as a taboo subject. Nevertheless, there are debates on this topic in countries that accept homosexuality. It is usually a religious duty of women and men to get married and reproduce. Thus, heterosexual relationships are considered as the norm in Hinduism.

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Sources

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/rs/relationships/hiloveandsexrev1.shtml

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/whitehindu/2013/04/marriage-equality-and-hinduism/

http://www.afan.uk.net/book/topic-material/hindu-perspective-sexuality