Live-in relationships in India &
Indian Culture vs Western Culture
Live-in relationships in India &
Western Culture vs Indian Culture
By: - Dr.A.S.Kalra Astrologer
Regarding live-in relationships in India: -
Despite the recognition of live-in relationships by the Supreme Court of India, society as a whole still holds reservations about this concept. While couples in metro cities are increasingly engaging in live-in relationships, a significant majority prefers to keep it a secret from their families and relatives. These couples typically reside in metro areas after completing their higher education, driven by employment opportunities. Although they may support the idea of a live-in relationship, they lack the courage to openly embrace it in their hometowns before their families. It is primarily individuals from the upper class who engage in live-in relationships with confidence, openly acknowledging their status even in front of the media, without fearing societal backlash.Comparison of Indian Culture with Western Culture: -
Regarding Indian Culture: -
According to Dr. A.S. Kalra, Indian culture has undergone a transformation and has become a blend of traditional Indian values and Western influences. Many teenagers and young individuals in the Indian subcontinent tend to perceive Western culture as superior in various aspects. They believe it is easier to establish sexual relationships without marriage, which contrasts with the more conservative norms of Indian culture. In Western culture, there is a perception that people have more opportunities for sexual encounters throughout their lives and are not deprived of sexual satisfaction.In Indian culture, the societal expectation is that sexual relations are only acceptable within the confines of marriage. However, practically speaking, individuals often consider marriage when they achieve financial independence. This financial stability is crucial to support themselves, their spouse, and any future children that may be born out of their union.
But the problem is: -
In today's scenario youngsters have to spend many years in completing their higher education after completing their schooling and then it also takes some years in establishing themselves professionally. By that time they acquire the age of 25 or 26 or even more whereas hormonal changes start taking place in their bodies in the age of 13-14 which leaded to sex urge in them. But they have to suppress their desire to establish a sexual relation with a member of opposite sex because they are not eligible to marry. They can only relieve themselves by artificial means. They also develop curiosity to explore the body of a member of opposite sex so as to get an idea of its anatomy or for obtaining sexual gratification for which they rely on pornographic material available in some magazines or on the internet.In India, the majority of individuals are choosing to marry after reaching the age of 27 or 28. However, there are unfortunate individuals who, due to various circumstances, find themselves getting married at the age of 32 or 35. Regrettably, some people face lifelong challenges that prevent them from ever marrying. For those who do manage to enter into marriage, many encounter significant difficulties in their married and family lives, hindering their ability to fully enjoy their marital relationships. This situation highlights the fact that in countries like India, as well as other countries in the Indian subcontinent, experiencing a fulfilling and stress-free sexual life is not an easily attainable goal.
Additionally, many women find it challenging to engage in sexual relationships with men due to various fears they may harbor. These fears include the fear of unwanted pregnancy, the fear of facing societal judgment and humiliation, and the fear of potential blackmail by their partners. Unfortunately, in recent times, some men have been known to exploit physical encounters by secretly recording them with video cameras. They subsequently employ these recordings as a means of blackmail, coercing women into further physical acts or manipulating them into engaging in sexual activities with their friends. Disturbingly, there have been instances where such coercion has even led to women being forced into becoming call girls or prostitutes.
Regarding Western Culture: -
In the Western world, it is common for children to leave their parents' home after completing their schooling, typically around the age of 17-18, in order to live independently. They often pursue higher education while simultaneously working part-time to achieve financial independence. In this context, they have the freedom to choose a partner of the opposite sex with whom they can live without getting married, engaging in what is commonly referred to as a live-in relationship. It is widely accepted in the Western world that establishing a sexual relationship with someone without being married is not considered morally wrong. Couples in a live-in relationship also have the option to start a family and have children.Some time ago, Dr. A.S. Kalra provided consultation to a European woman in Rishikesh who was unmarried and 30 years old. However, she already had two children, and interestingly, each child had a different father. It's worth noting that in the Western world, it is not considered morally wrong for a woman to become a mother without being married, although this perspective differs in many Asian countries. The woman shared her story, explaining that during her college years at the age of 20, she had a boyfriend with whom she developed a physical relationship and became pregnant, subsequently giving birth to her first child. Unfortunately, her boyfriend left her as he did not want the responsibility of having a child. Afterward, she formed a relationship with another man and despite using contraceptive pills, she became pregnant again. Following the birth of her second child, her second boyfriend also decided to leave. She then entered into friendships with several other men, one after another. Currently, her children are studying in school, unaware of the identity of their respective fathers.
In the Western world, there are instances where some mothers are unable to disclose the identity of their child's father because, during the nine months leading up to the birth, the woman engaged in multiple one-night stands with different men. As a result, she is unable to recall which man is the father of her child.
On another occasion, Dr. A.S. Kalra provided consultation to a European woman. After analyzing her horoscope, he informed her that she should consider getting married within a year. However, the woman expressed her lack of fortune when it came to married and family life, indicating that the likelihood of a successful marriage was low. She conveyed to Dr. Kalra her preference to avoid marriage altogether, as she felt the need for a new partner in her life every six months, growing weary of continuous commitment to a single individual.
Regarding Sex: -
There is no limit to sexual desire and this is the reason that in Indian philosophy it is termed as 'Vaasna' which means it's endless or infinite. Attraction between a male and a female is the trick of the Mother Nature so that a male and a female come close to each other... indulge in mating or sexual intercourse and then woman becomes pregnant so as to deliver a child and this way the world continue progressing. It can be understood very easily that a person can't get rid of sexual thoughts because after all he/she took birth in this world due to the activity of sexual intercourse between his/her parents & after 9 months of that activity he/she came in this world out of the vagina of his/her mother and then started sucking breast of their mother. So a person can't get rid of thinking of that activity and those organs from which his/her body was created and he/she took birth in this world.In the Hindu religion, there is a ritual of worshipping an idol known as the 'Shivling,' which represents the 'Ling' or phallus of Lord Shiva. This practice involves offering milk to the 'Shivling' in temples, symbolizing the creation of the world or universe. Upon closer observation, the 'Shivling' is not merely a phallic symbol, but it also represents the 'Shivling' inserted into the 'Yoni' or vagina of Mother Parvati, signifying the act of intercourse between Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. The provision of praying to the idol of the 'Shivling' in Hindu temples serves as a clear indication that sex is viewed as a divine aspect and not inherently sinful, particularly when it is engaged in with the intention of procreation and giving birth to a child.
Interesting facts: -
In Hindu mythology, three forms of God are recognized: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma is acknowledged as the creator of the universe, Lord Vishnu as the sustainer, and Lord Shiva as the destroyer.Interestingly, while there are numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, commonly known as 'Shiv Mandirs,' there are relatively few temples in the name of Lord Brahma ('Brahma Mandir') and Lord Vishnu ('Vishnu Mandir'). Instead, there are temples devoted to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, both of whom are considered incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
This difference indicates that Lord Brahma, associated with creation, is not widely worshiped compared to the other deities.
Furthermore, there is a practice of worshiping the phallic symbol representing the form of Lord Shiva, known as the 'Shivling.' Intriguingly, there is no equivalent provision to worship the phallic symbols representing Lord Brahma ('BrahmaLing') or Lord Vishnu ('VishnuLing')—the deities associated with creation and sustenance, respectively.
It is important to note that the worship in Indian temples is not directed towards the 'Shivling' itself, but rather towards the act of procreation symbolized by the union of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. This act is revered as it represents the process responsible for bringing forth life. However, there is a lack of worship dedicated to the act of procreation between Lord Brahma and Mother Saraswati (associated with creation) or between Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi (associated with sustenance).
Consequently, the act of procreation linked to Lord Shiva, considered as the destroyer, is the one specifically honored, rather than the act of creation or sustenance, which may seem contradictory.
Hinduism, considered the oldest religion, uniquely emphasizes the divine nature of the act of procreation by daily worship in temples. It signifies the recognition of procreation as a sacred process within the Hindu faith.
Regarding endless sexual desire: -
Centuries ago, in countries like India, it is said that there were kings or emperors who had multiple queens, some even having as many as 100 queens! They possessed considerable wealth and could afford the expenses associated with numerous queens and their children. However, it's important to note that these kings did not marry all the ladies simultaneously. They would marry one woman at a time, and after some months or years of marriage, they would sometimes grow tired of their current queen and seek another woman for marriage, drawn to her charm and allure. This cycle would repeat throughout their lives, resulting in marriages to many women. Essentially, these kings would marry a new woman every six months or every year.In the Western world, the majority of people choose to live as single individuals. Arranged marriages are not prevalent in these countries, and most marriages are based on love. However, it is worth noting that the divorce rate in these countries is relatively high. Many individuals opt for live-in relationships, often changing partners every six months or year. This trend emerges as they start feeling bored with their current partner's physical presence after spending some time in the relationship. Consequently, family values may be less emphasized in these societies.
This analysis suggests that love can occur multiple times, contrary to the notion depicted in some Hindi movies that love only happens once in a lifetime. In reality, what people often perceive as love may actually be a passionate attraction based on the physical attributes of a person of the opposite sex.