The Hindu concept of dharma is an essential aspect of moral conduct that involves living a life in accordance with principles of righteousness, truthfulness, and goodness. It also includes duties towards family, society, and self. In this context, the concept of kama, which refers to physical pleasures, has been recognized as a legitimate part of human experience.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, one's duty is to follow dharma without attachment to its fruits, while enjoying pleasure in moderation. The Vedic texts emphasize that pleasure should be enjoyed with discretion and within the bounds of social norms, and that it should not become an obstacle to spiritual development.
In Jainism, sexual desire is considered an uncontrollable passion, but it can be controlled through ascetic practices such as celibacy and renunciation.
Even among ascetics, sexual pleasure may be permitted if it does not involve violence or exploitation. The Yoga Sutras recognize sexual pleasure as a valid means for attaining liberation, provided it is pursued with discipline and detachment.
In Buddhism, sexual activity is seen as one of the five sensual desires that lead to suffering, but it can be managed by following the noble eightfold path. This path involves right thoughts, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. Sexual pleasure is allowed only when it is not harmful to oneself or others.
Sikhism rejects extremes in lifestyle, including both excessive indulgence in sex and extreme abstinence. It encourages marriages based on mutual love and respect, and recommends maintaining chastity outside marriage.
Some sects allow polygamy, temporary marriages, and other forms of non-traditional relationships.
Islamic teachings prohibit premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, and other forms of deviant behavior. Marriage is highly recommended as a way to fulfill physical needs while avoiding sin. Islam also recognizes the importance of procreation and suggests that sex within marriage should occur only for this purpose.
The concept of duty and pleasure coexist in Indian religious sexual ethics through their interplay between moral responsibility and personal satisfaction. While dharma emphasizes self-restraint and moderation, kama acknowledges the legitimacy of pleasure as long as it does not harm others. In this context, sex becomes an act of spiritual purification rather than mere gratification, and its practice must be guided by principles of justice, compassion, and generosity.
How do concepts of duty and pleasure coexist in Indian religious sexual ethics?
The concept of duty is an important aspect of Hinduism that shapes sexual ethics. Duty is seen as an obligation to fulfill one's dharma or social role and this includes the responsibility of married couples to engage in sexual activity for procreative purposes.