Questions asked:
Since it is International Women’s Day, let’s speak about women.
Discussion:
Highlights:
“It’s not prescriptive but descriptive session today”
Women were seen in social stereotypical roles in earlier days where the woman had to do everything for her family with no maids or outside help, e.g. cooking, cleaning, nurturing etc.
Self-Perception and External Views:
The question is how women see themselves versus how they are viewed by men and society.
Female dominance is not appreciated by men or women. The male ego struggles with female dominance.
A woman when she says “Amchya kade” has ownership as ‘this is mine’ and exclusion that ‘you are not part of mine’.
An attendee made the observation that female baby in womb feels unwanted so later keeps seeking love and appreciation after birth.
When we talk of “empowering” women we also send the subtle message that they are powerless and weak, hence the need to empower them.
Female worth will always be higher than male worth due to their inherent nurturing nature. Man cannot achieve without a female backing.
Historical and Anthropological Perspectives:
In the earlier years the female ratio was higher, suggesting a more matriarchal society. That is why till 1956 a man could have two wives by law. In early human societies, women were associated with nurturing (maati) while men were seen as the seed or essence (beej).
“Virya” is important. Terms like viryawaan, Mahavirya.
Under jungle law too, a tiger can mate many tigresses. But when a male animal becomes weak or old, it is killed by the other animals. It seldom dies a natural death. Survival of the fittest ensures a strong progeny.
Marriage, Fidelity, and Social Constructs:
Marriage is as an “unnatural phenomenon” while infidelity is an unnatural social concept but it’s “natural” by laws of the nature. Humans were not programmed by nature to be monogamous.
When a spouse complains of their partner being infidel then they have only two options to avail from: stay or leave. The onus is on the cheated partner to make the choice. The possessiveness and clinging leads to restricting the relationship and can lead to infidelity, while a more flexible view might allow for growth and self-realization of the relationship.
Relationships are an illusion, a runanubandh.
Terms like polygamy, polyandry, incest explained.
Maternity is a certainty but paternity is an assumption. That is why the earlier society was matriarchal; they were king-makers (bigger than the king). Survival of the unfit is made possible in civilised society.
Mythology:
Mythological references (e.g., Ramayan, Mahabharat) are used to illustrate the dynamics of power and the roots of patriarchy. Both the epics happened due to women. So, to diminish the female power, they were brought to the fore-front and defeated, leading to the dawn of patriarchy.
Gender Attributes and Emotional Expression:
There is a clear distinction made between male and female ways of handling emotions: men are depicted as suppressing their feelings (leading to higher physical consequences like heart attacks), whereas women are seen as more open to expressing pain and accepting their inability and seeking help from friends and therapists.
Crying is a way to endure the pain, so male should express their emotions but they deny a problem exists and males suffer heart attacks more. This observation is used to critique the societal expectation for men to “man up” and the undervaluing of emotional vulnerability.
Man can inflict and women can endure.
A reference of great women was made e.g. Gargi and Maitrey, Ahilya bai, Jijau.
Modern Dilemmas and Evolutionary Considerations:
Contemporary issues such as the challenges of pregnancy for career-oriented women and the evolving nature of relationships were taken up. It questions whether current trends like reduced physical discipline, seeing pregnancy as a liability, may have broader implications for society’s future, both culturally and demographically.
Gurukul teaching would’ve been better in name of female education than the more limited scope of Western education that talks of gender equality whereas the female gender was always superior. Gurukul perspective of life education is child bearing and child rearing for the continuance of the world.
We’re the product of evolution. Now we worship materialistic things. The thought of not bearing kids is also a dangerous evolution which might lead to low births eventually.
Streetva chya matrutva is dying due to lifestyle and work orientation.
Empowerment and Identity:
The unique contributions of women and their Streetva should be celebrated today. “Garv se kaho mai stree hun”. Don’t limit yourself by comparing yourself to a man.
Spiritual Aspects
From a spiritual viewpoint, women are often associated with creation and nurturing. In many traditions, they are seen as the bearers of life, mirroring the divine act of creation. Their ability to give birth is considered sacred, symbolizing renewal and continuity.
There is a link between spirituality with gender roles, suggesting that naturally women are on a privileged path in spiritual evolution.
Females give birth to chetna through child-birth and stay connected with it throughout life to nurture it.
Females have extra sensory perception.
It is Masculine to live in prapanch and Feminine to live beyond.
Sanyas takers have connected to the inherent feminine attributes like forgiveness, nurturing, surrender etc. e.g. Gajanan maharaj, Vivekanada.
No Female wants to be reborn as a man. They can love equally, unlike man.
PS
“Where women are honored, divinity blossoms; where they are dishonored, all actions remain fruitless.” – Manusmriti
“Paradise lies under the feet of your mother.” – Prophet Muhammad
“In every woman is the potential for full enlightenment.” – Buddha
“From woman, man is born; within woman, man is conceived; to woman, he is engaged and married. Why denounce her? From her, kings are born.” – Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib
Concluding Reflections
The session provides a rich tapestry of ideas challenging conventional gender roles and societal expectations. It intertwines historical context, mythology, and personal reflection to provoke thought about:
- How we define women empowerment and their worth.
- The evolution of social institutions like marriage.
- The natural versus constructed roles of men and women.
- The spiritual prowess of females
These points invite further discussion on whether modern societal structures can or should revert to some of these traditional paradigms, or if a new synthesis is required to accommodate both natural predispositions and modern realities.
