Hinduism and Homosexuality

Definition: Hinduism and Homosexuality

Condemned by most Hindu cultures, though not often for religious reasons. The teachings of Vedanta, which emphasize liberation from the material world to the spiritual, allow only heterosexual sex, within marriage and for purposes of procreation.

Currently, the issue of homosexuality in Hinduism is controversial, especially amongst Hindus in countries where homosexuality is generally accepted. Hindu views of homosexuality are varying and diverse, in part because the accepted Hindu religious texts do not explicitly mention homosexuality.

Homosexuality is also a complex matter in Hinduism because of the many types of religious life. In general, "twice-born" Hindus are prohibited from homosexual acts (maithunam pumsi), such as in Manusmrti 11:174, which mentions both men and women.

On the other hand, the famous Kama Sutra states that homosexual sex "is to be engaged in and enjoyed for its own sake as one of the arts." In general, then, the Hindu evaluation of homosexuality depends heavily on the context.

Background

Homosexuality has an ancient history in India. Ancient texts like Rig Veda (which dates back around 1500 BC), sculptures and vestiges depict sexual acts between women as revelations of a feminine world where sexuality was based on pleasure and fertility.

There are great differences amongst Hindus as to whether homosexuality is acceptable behavior. The debate takes place against the background of Hinduism's teachings on love, sex, and marriage, which might be summarized as follows:

• In Hinduism, love is regarded as an eternal force. It is seen as devotion between two people, whether romantic or platonic. Hindus believe love and devotion are important in attaining Moksha or Liberation from the cycle of rebirths.
• Erotic desire or Kama in Hinduism was deemed as one of the most legitimate pleasures on earth (thus accounting for the vast numbers of erotic treatises, poetry and sensuous sculptures of ancient India). This however did not mean that lascivious behavior was promoted. Premarital sex in Hinduism is frowned upon and extramarital sex is prohibited. Sex was promoted within the context of a loving couple - usually heterosexual. On the other hand extremely ascetic schools of thought would have viewed sex as a distraction from the pursuit of Moksha.

Marriage in Hinduism is said to fulfill three functions: Prajaa, Dharma, and Rati. In marriage, Prajaa is progeny for perpetuation of one's family, Dharma is fulfillment of responsibilities, and Rati is companionship as friends and mutual pleasure as lovers. These three functions are given in the Dharma Shastras, books that are not considered to be religiously binding within Hinduism.

In Hinduism many of the divinities are androgynous and some change gender to participate in homoerotic behavior. In the popular Hindu epic Mahabharata, a transgender character named Sikhandin plays a pivotal role (5.191-5).

In modern India, transgendered men known as Hijras have sex with men. They religiously identify as a separate third sex, with many undergoing ritual castration. In Hindu thought a man who penetrates a Hijra is not defined as gay. And in the Kama Sutra sex acts involving homosexuality are regarded in some castes permissible while not in other castes.

Opposing Hindu Viewpoints on Homosexuality

Most of the debate on homosexuality within Hinduism is centered on these three teachings, and how proponents and opponents of homosexuality interpret these teachings.

Opponents of homosexuality argue that:

• Romantic love is only natural between a man and a woman, and it is impossible for two men or two women to experience the same form of love.
• Since romantic love is only possible between a man and a woman, sex between two men or two women can only be the product of lust, and lust is wrong; therefore homosexual activities are wrong.
• One of the three functions of marriage is Prajaa, the progeny for perpetuation of one's family. A homosexual couple cannot procreate, and thus cannot be married.
• Premarital and extramarital sex are wrong, and because homosexuals cannot marry, they should not engage in sexual relationships.

Proponents of homosexuality argue:

• Nowhere in the Hindu sacred texts is romantic love excluded to all but a man and woman, so there are no religious grounds to make a statement to the contrary.
• Since homosexuals can experience romantic love, homosexual sexual relationships are not all the product of lust.
• The three functions of marriage are given in the Dharma Shastras, books that are not binding to Hindus, and thus Prajaa is not a determining factor in Hindu marriages. Even if the three functions of marriage were binding in terms of marriages, Prajaa may be interpreted in a number of ways that do not involve procreation at all. Thus homosexuals should be allowed to marry.
• Sexual expression within a loving relationship is encouraged by Hinduism because it is not an expression of lust, but an expression of love and devotion to each others' happiness. Therefore, homosexuals in loving relationships (i.e. marriage) should be allowed to express their love sexually.

The Srimad Bhagavatam Debate

Within the Srimad Bhagavatam there are a few lines (Canto 3, Ch.20 Text 23, 24 & 26) that describe Brahma's creation of a group of demons that became obsessed with sex and demanded sex from him, but then he became frightened and ran away from them. Opponents of homosexuality believe this proves that homosexual behaviour is lustful and evil. Proponents of homosexuality argue that the demons were the children of Brahma, and that this story teaches that incest is lustful and evil (compare to the story of Shatarupa).

External Links

• RE: hindu homosexuality - Question and Vedanta answer on newsgroup alt-hindu, published on Hindunet.org.
• Hinduism FAQ: Prostitution - HinduWebsite
• The Gay and Lesbian Vaishnava Association (GALVA) "Information and support for GLBTI Vaishnavas and Hindus"
• Why should homosexuality be a crime? - An article in The Times of India giving instances of homosexuality in present day India and in religious texts.
• Being a gay Hindu - personal blog

Source

This article incorporates text from "Homosexuality and Hinduism" at Wikipedia.org, and as such is available under the GFDL license.

Gayma Sutra: The Complete Guide by Axel Neustaedte

Gayma Sutra: The Complete Guide by Axel Neustaedter

In, over and out? Not with the Gayma Sutra! This richly illustrated guide book will help spice up your sex life. More variety means more fun, and the variations are just about endless. Axel Neustaedter has tested all the ways to play and found the ones to give you all the pleasure you've always wanted. He answers crucial questions about the most exciting sport there is: How to practice for the longest and most intense sex? What are the best positions for masturbation? How can two bottoms have an over the top experience together? And what toys can help make it even better? After reading this book, sex will never be boring again! Gay Kama Sutra

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 Kama Sutra 52-A Year's Worth of the Best Positions for Passion and Pleasure by Lisa Schrader

The best year of your life has arrived with Kama Sutra 52. Reach new levels of exotic and erotic bliss with a hot new position to try every week for 52 weeks! Each position, inspired by the ancient text of the Kama Sutra, maximizes pleasure and fun.

Toss out all other sex manuals. Meditate on not just the positions but the philosophy in Kama Sutra 52. Think of it as a manual for your mind, not just your body. See how thoughtful sex can bring you to the edge where the sacred reveals itself. With this beautiful book, discover how pleasure is a doorway to spirit.

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The Elements of Social Science, Or, Physical, Sexual and Natural Religion

 

The Elements of Social Science; or, Physical, Sexual, and Natural Religion. An Exposition of the True Cause and Only Cure of the Three Primary Social Evils

Poverty, Prostitution, and Celibacy

CONTENTS

PART I

PHYSICAL RELIGION

Man the Physician 9
Woman the Physician 14
Subjective Medicine 20
Life and Death 23
Health of Towns 28
Mental Disease 36
Spiritualism 60

PART II
SEXUAL RELIGION

Reproduction and Development 38
Diseases of the Male Generative Organs 76
Evils of Abstinence  86 — Excess 84 — Abuse . 87
Spermatorrhcea 88
Venereal Diseases 108
Balanitis 112
Gonorrhea * 110
Syphilis 138
Diseases of the Female Generative Organs 157
Chlorosis 165
Hysteria 176
Sexual Excess 186
Diseases of Menstruation 188
Amenorrhea 190
Vicarious Menstruation 197
Dysmenorrhea 198
Menorrhagia 201
Leucorrhea 205
Disorders at Menstrual Decline 211
Inflammations of the Sexual Organs 213
Acute Ovalities 216Sub-acute Ovalities
Inflammation Of The Womb
Acute Metritis
Chronic Metritis
ULCERATION OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB
Venereal Diseases in the Female * General Remarks on the Sexual Diseases
Prostitution * Law of Population * Abridgment op the Essay on “Population by Mr. Malthus
Mr. Mill and Others on the Law of Population
Poverty, its only Cause and its only Cure, with the
Solution of the Social Problem

PART III

NATURAL RELIGION

Dignity, Liberty, and Independence 399

Natural Religion 427

PART IV
SOCIAL SCIENCE

The Main Elements of Social Science 

The Law of Population, or Malthusian Law

The Laws of Exercise, Fecundity, and Agricultural Industry

Opinions of English and European Writers

Lives of the Economists

The Chief Laws of Political Economy

The Laws of Production

The Laws of Distribution

The Laws of Exchange

Political Economy and the Working Classes

Recapitulation of the Preceding Laws

Learn about The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana.

Kalogynomia, or the Laws of Female Beauty

Kalogynomia, or the Laws Of Female Beauty: Being The Elementary Principles Of That Science 

 

By T. Bell, M.D. 

 

With Twenty-Four Plates.

 

FOREWORD BY OLIVIA SALTER

In the 19th century, Dr. T. Bell published a groundbreaking work titled "Kalogynomia, or the Laws of Female Beauty: Being the Elementary Principles of That Science." This book, accompanied by twenty-four plates, aimed to explore the principles and standards of female beauty. While it is essential to acknowledge the cultural context in which this work was written, it is equally important to critically examine its content through a contemporary lens. Let us delve into the essence of Kalogynomia and discuss its impact on the understanding of female beauty.

Exploring the Principles:

"Kalogynomia" presents the idea that beauty is governed by scientific principles. Dr. Bell purported to lay out these principles systematically in order to understand and appreciate the beauty of women. The book covers various aspects such as facial features, body proportions, physical grace, and the harmony of form. Bell argued that by adhering to these elementary principles, one could enhance their beauty and attain societal acclaim.

Critique and Cultural Perspective:

While Dr. Bell's work may have been praised in his time, it is necessary to approach it with critical reflection. Beauty is a subjective concept that varies across cultures, eras, and personal preferences. The definition of beauty presented in "Kalogynomia" represents a specific period's ideals, influenced by social norms and prevailing aesthetics. It is essential to recognize that beauty should not solely be dictated by external standards but should instead celebrate diversity and individuality.

The Role of Gender

The title of the book "Kalogynomia" specifically focuses on female beauty, implying that beauty is a characteristic primarily assigned to women. However, beauty exists in a gender-neutral realm, and it is essential to recognize and appreciate the beauty found in all gender identities. Understanding and celebrating beauty as a universal concept, irrespective of gender, is critical to fostering inclusivity and challenging traditional norms.

Representation and Inclusivity:

One notable aspect of "Kalogynomia" is the inclusion of twenty-four plates. While the book aimed to visually depict beauty principles, it is critical to evaluate whether these plates represented a diverse range of women. If the depictions were limited to a narrow range of body types, features, or ethnicities, it would reinforce societal biases and restrict the understanding of beauty to a limited scope. Embracing diversity and inclusivity in beauty representation can help break down these barriers and foster a more inclusive understanding of what beauty truly means.

Evolution of Beauty Standards:

Over time, societal perceptions and preferences about beauty have evolved. What was once considered an ideal may no longer hold relevance in contemporary times. Understanding the historical context of "Kalogynomia" allows us to appreciate the progress made in challenging traditional beauty standards and embracing a more inclusive view of beauty. It also highlights the importance of continuing to question and redefine beauty ideals to ensure they reflect the diverse nature of humanity.

In concusion, while "Kalogynomia" provided valuable insights into the understanding of female beauty during its time, it is necessary to recognize its limitations and critically examine its principles. The definition of beauty is ever-evolving, and it is crucial to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and individuality in our perception of beauty. By challenging traditional standards and embracing a broader range of perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and empowering understanding of beauty for all.

 

Olivia Salter 

06/10/2021

 

It treats of Beauty, of Love, of Sexual Intercourse, of the Laws regulating that Intercourse, of Monogamy and Polygamy, of Prostitution, of Infidelity, ending with a catalogue raisonnée of the defects of female beauty.

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Learn about The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana.

Kama Sutra by Tracey Cox

Contents

Erotic 10-47 

Easy-to-master starter positions, a crash course in the basics of spiritual sex, an honest appraisal of what works today, the kiss that can make her climax, and getting sex back to how it used to be. 

Exotic 48-83 

Intimate sex positions for super-soppy sex, why a hug is never just a hug, reuniting those old friends sex and love, the exercise that guarantees you’ll both be better lovers in a week, and how a twist of a hip can transform tried-and-tired sex. 

Exhilarating 84-109 

Fresh new techniques for oral orgasms, a hand-job better than he can give himself, heavenly handwork for her, the hottest multiple-hot-spot orgasm she’ll ever experience, and why sacred sex sucks. 

Exhibitionist 110-149 

Show-off sex positions to boast about to your friends (with tips on how to cheat), the Kama Sutra’s decidedly suspect take on genital size, and what to do if you’re lopsided lovers, plus how to have a whole body orgasm and be a master of ejaculation. 

Expert 150-187 

Ambitious positions for the very, very brave, the nine thrusts to sexual nirvana, why the Kama Sutra encourages you to hurt the one you love, and the really, really naughty things the ancients got up to.

If there’s one resounding message from spiritual sex, it’s that couples need to put lots of effort into their sex lives. Sorry to shatter any illusions, but it’s true: people do split up when they’re bored. 

KAMA SUTRA 

Like all things which keep us deliciously intrigued, no one can quite agree on the facts surrounding the Kama Sutra. We know it was compiled between the first and fourth century by an elderly Indian sage called Mallanaga Vatsyayana, but little is known of him. Some historians swear he was celibate; others say after studying ancient texts, he put the advice into practice and went for it! It’s also thought Vatsyayana didn’t actually write the Kama Sutra, even though he’s generally referred to as the author. Folklore says he studied writings of holy men before him and discovered that Nandi, the white bull, stood guard for the mighty gods Shiva and Parvati outside their bedroom while they made love for 10,000 years. (And you thought that 48-hour romp was something worth boasting about!). Nandi swore never to speak of the sex secrets he saw and heard but, just like a fallible human, broke his vow and blabbed. The words he spoke “fell as flowers” and the flowers were gathered, strung onto thread, then woven into a book of 1,000 chapters. As time passed, the book got shortened and eventually condensed to 150 chapters. Vatsyayana managed to compact it into seven parts (only one of which deals exclusively with sex, by the way). 

The Kama Sutra is basically a guide to life and love. It’s addressed to men, but Vatsyayana heartily recommends young women also flick through it before marriage (with their fiancé’s consent, of course!). At the time the Kama Sutra was written, there was no shame associated with sex—Hindus thought sex wasn’t just natural and necessary, but sacred. A veritable sexfest apparently! (Time machine, anyone?). In 1883, the Kama Sutra was translated by Sir Richard Burton and Forster Fitzgerald Arbuthnot. So risqué was it for the Western world, they had to create their own company to publish it. Even then, it was only available through subscription and mainly read by scholars or upper class “gents” with an appetite for erotica. Published for general release in the US and UK in 1962, it has remained the world’s most famous sex book, even if most people are under the misconception that it’s a “positions book” with lots of naughty drawings.

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Learn more about The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana.

The Kama Sutra OF Vatsyayana, Illustration With Notes eBook

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana Illustrated eBook

In the literature of all countries there will be found a certain number of works treating especially of love. Everywhere the subject is dealt with differently, and from various points of view. In the present publication it is proposed to give a complete translation of what is considered the standard work on love in Sanscrit literature, and which is called the "Vatsyayana Kama Sutra," or Aphorisms on Love, by Vatsyayana.

While the Introduction will deal with the evidence concerning the date of the writing, and the commentaries written upon it, the chapters following the Introduction will give a translation of the work itself. It is, however, advisable to furnish here a brief analysis of works of the same nature, prepared by authors who lived and wrote years after Vatsya had passed away, but who still considered him as the great authority, and afways quoted him as the chief guide to Hindoo erotic literature.