SustainablyAlpha January Edition

Sutra, authored by
Vatsyayana in the third
century B.C.E., challenges
the idea that sexual
relationships should solely
focus on procreation and
instead encourages
individuals to prioritise
pleasure.
Another notable text, the
"Ananga Ranga," written in
the 15th century, can be
seen as an updated version
of the Kama Sutra. It aims
to demonstrate that a
woman alone is enough to
fulfil a man's desires. The
book provides instructions
on how a husband can
enhance love for his wife
through sexual pleasure,
enabling a fulfilling and
harmonious relationship.
Modern Influences and the
Need for Rediscovery:In the
modern era, with rapid
globalisation and societal
changes, the unique aspects
of Indian sexuality are
becoming diluted. It is
crucial to rediscover and
celebrate our ancient
teachings to attain
individual freedom and
invest our energy into
addressing social issues
related to sexuality.
By revisiting the wisdom of
ancient Indian texts, we can
gain insights into the
importance of pleasure,
emotional connection, and
the empowerment of both
men and women. These
lessons can guide us in
navigating modern
relationships and fostering
a healthier understanding of
sexuality. The Vedic Age:
Embracing the Third Sex: In
ancient India, the concept
of sexuality extended
beyond the binary
understanding of male and
female. The Vedas, the
oldest religious texts of
Hinduism, acknowledged
the existence of a "Third
Sex." This term
encompassed individuals
who possessed qualities of
both genders, including
homosexuals,
transgenders, and intersex
people. Surprisingly, the
ancient scriptures not only
acknowledged their
presence but also provided
them with respect and
protection.The Dharma
Shastra, the legal code of
the time, did not prescribe
any punishments for those
born into the Third Sex.
Homosexual men and
women were allowed to live
their lives freely, without
societal pressure or
expectations. While
marriage held great
significance in Hinduism,
homosexual individuals
were neither forced nor
expected to marry for
procreation. In fact,
scriptures even forbade
homosexual unions in
certain cases. The
acceptance
of
homosexuality in ancient
India was such that some
homosexual couples chose
to marry, while others
embraced celibacy as a
way of life.Uniting
Sexuality and Spirituality in
the Vedas: The ancient
scriptures not only
embraced diverse sexual
orientations but also
recognized the profound
connection between
sexuality and spirituality.
One of the most wellknown
stories in the Vedas
is that of Lord Shiva and
the river Ganges. As the
river descended to Earth,
Lord Shiva caught it in his
hair to prevent it from
destroying the planet. The
union between the river
and Shiva symbolised the
intermingling of fire and
fluid, representing the
harmony between
spirituality
and
sexuality.This metaphorical
union illustrates the vital
role of sex in the creation
and sustenance of life. Just
as the combination of fire
and water gives birth to the
river, the interplay of
spirituality and sexuality
brings forth the ultimate
form of creation. The
Vedas recognized the
significance of sexual
fluids, mirroring the waters
of the rivers, in the process
of procreation and life
itself.
Sex and Society in Vedic
Literature: While the Vedas
emphasised the importance
of marriage for
procreation, they also
provided insights into the
role of sex in society. In
ancient India, sex outside
of marriage was
considered taboo. It was
believed that the primary
purpose of sex was
procreation, and engaging
in sexual activities outside
the institution of marriage
was deemed unnecessary
and immoral. However, the
Vedas did not advise
against sex itself. They
recognized that the nature
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