In Hinduism, man
and woman represent the two halves of the divine body. There is no question
of superiority or inferiority between them. However, it is a scientific fact
that the emotional side is more developed in women. This does not mean that
intellectually, women are inferior. Hindu history is witness to the super-women,
like Gargi, Maitreyi and Sulabha, whose faculty of reasoning was far superior
to that of ordinary mortals. But owing to organic differences in their physical
and emotional constitutions, women are temperamentally more emotional than men.
Duties
of a Hindu Woman
Having recognized this fact, Hindu scriptures (Shastras) have allotted certain
specific duties to Hindu women. These duties include maintaining domestic peace,
adjustment of social relations and attainment of spiritual perfection.
The
Idea of Marriage
The idea behind the institution of marriage in Hinduism is to foster, not self-interest,
but love for the entire family. Practice of self-restraint is the ideal of marriage
in Hinduism. It is the love and duty cultivated for the entire family that prevents
the break-ups.
Men by nature are
less capable of self-restraint than women. That is why, after marriage the Hindu
women lead the men by keeping the lustful propensities under control. While
married, thought of any other man does not enter the mind of a Hindu lady until
she loses her faith in her husband due to his consistent misbehavior and 'don't
care' attitude.
The
Sanctity of Marriage
The present-day Hindu husbands fail to recognize the sacrifices and lofty ideals
of Hindu wives, and thus compel them to follow the worst of the West. During
the nuptial ceremony in a Vedic marriage, both the bride and the bridegroom
take oath for the practice of self-restraint, to work together for the welfare
of the family and to help each other to attain spiritual peace. This lofty ideal
of sanctity is a great gift of Hinduism to the world at large.
Protecting
the Institution
It should be a matter of great concern that we have begun to ignore the ancient
and lofty ideals of Hindu marriage and are anxious to follow in the footsteps
of cultures that do not value these ideals. No wonder, the number of divorce
suits filed by Hindu couples is on the rise. Instead of strengthening the traditional
ideals, which for thousands of years have helped us prevent marriage and family
break-ups, we are misdirecting our energies towards promoting the ideal of sense-enjoyment
and self-interest. In my opinion it is still not too late to be proactive to
protect the sanctity of Hindu marriage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gyan
Rajhans, M.Sc. (Eng.), P.Eng, CIH, ROH, is a pioneering scientist with the
Ontario Ministry of Health, Canada. He is also the producer/broadcaster of Vedic
Religion Radio
Program since 1981 on CJMR 1320 AM every Sunday (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.). He partakes
in volunteer work for the Hindu community every weekend, and delivers discourses
on prayer and meditation every Sunday at various temples.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BY SHRI GYAN RAJHANS
| 