Is Masturbation a Sin in Hinduism?

Does Hinduism think porn is a sin? Or is it okay to consume the same? How will we know what to do if we don’t talk about this? Let us take a look at what is the stance of Hinduism on Porn.

Our society looks down on anything that has to do with sexuality. We tend to avoid talking about anything that has to do with pleasure or sexual health. This lack of healthy talk is worse than it is helpful. This only leads to less information and sometimes even wrong information.

This generation uses the Internet to find solutions to all kinds of questions. But there aren’t enough answers to all these questions online. It’s time for that to change.

What Does Hinduism Say About Masturbation

Find out what Hindus think about masturbation and pornography by reading on.

1. Hinduism and its Ideologies on Sexuality

Hinduism says that one of the four goals of life is to seek out Kama. A person who has taken a vow of Brahmacharya is the only one who cannot be sexually free in Hinduism. The Hindu sexual book Kama Sutra, which was written between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, doesn’t say anything bad about masturbation and even tells you how to do it best.

Hinduism says that life begins at the Brahmacharya stage, where people are told to learn and grow spiritually and academically to prepare for a life of advancing their dharma and karma. Once they reach the Grihastya, or “householder” stage, they can start to look for pleasure and wealth through their jobs. One of the four goals of life is kama, which includes sexual pleasure.

So masturbation is not a sin in a Hindu temple, but only in “Grihastya Jeevan” is it okay. So the limits change based on what kind of life you choose.

2. Brahmacharya

“Karmanaa manachaa vaachaa sarvaavastu sarvadaa Sarvatra maidyatvyahu brahmacharyam prachakshyadet”

3. Atharva Veda

This is the Brahmacharya vow that every Brahmin has to make when he gets his holy thread. What’s the meaning?

What this means is that the subject (a man) promises not to have any sexual thoughts or actions. The subject promises that his tools against “bodily distractions” are self-control and self-reliance and that he will use his energy to focus on his studies instead of on bodily pleasures.

Brahmacharya is one of the most important parts of Hinduism. During the Brahmacharya phase of life, masturbation is one of the things that makes it hard to be sexually pure. In yoga, the word brahmacharya is often used to mean “sexual continence” or “disciplined use of sexual energy,” but it can also mean “disciplined use of sexual energy.”

Which can be understood as being applicable as appropriate in different contexts like faith in marriage, celibacy for spiritual aspirants or in more extreme terms as complete celibacy or in more specific terms in relation to preserving and sublimating male sexual energy rather than losing it through ejaculation.

4. Swami Nikhilananda in His Writings on Hindu Ethics Says:

Even if they have different ideas about what the highest purpose of man is, all Hindu thinkers agree that each person is real in the sense that they have free will, desires, will, conscience, emotions, etc. The goal of Hindu ethics is to teach these faculties so that they will lead a person to Moksha, which means “liberation.”

So, all the schools of thought have given detailed explanations of the qualities and their opposites. The moral agent is supposed to follow the former and avoid the latter.

Vatsyana said, “Unrighteousness can take three forms: physical, verbal, and mental, depending on how well it is working.” Physical unrighteousness manifests itself asa cruelty (himsa), theft (steya), and sexual perversion (pratisiddha maithuna); verbal unrighteousness, as falsehood (mithya), rudeness (katukti), insinuation (suchana), and gossip (asambaddha); mental unrighteousness, as ill-will (paradroha), covetousness (paradravyabhipsa), and irreverance (nastikya).”

All of India’s thinkers and mystics praise the practice of continence. In addition to the literal meaning of the vow, continence means not being sexual in your thoughts, words, or actions through any of your senses. By practicing this habit, one gains the ability to pick up on subtle spiritual things. This is where Brahminism comes from.

5. Hinduism On Porn

There no scriptures or sayings that prohibit the followers of Hinduism from Watching or indulging in pornographic. Scholars believe, when used in moderation, there is nothing wrong with it. But, this holds true only as long as you’re not on Upavasa.

During Upavaasa (fasting) time, you shouldn’t drink too much water, chew betel leaves or nuts, or sleep. You also shouldn’t do Ashtavidha Mithuna, which means you shouldn’t think about sex, hear provocative songs, watch objectionable material, secretly gossip, make vows or decisions, or do anything else that isn’t related to devotion.

The Daksha Smriti says, “Thinking of a woman or her picture, praising a woman or her picture, playing with a woman or her picture, glancing at a woman or her picture, secretly talking to a woman, thinking of a sinful action toward a woman that is motivated by sensuality, deciding on the sinful action, and bodily action that results in the discharge of semen are the eight signs of copulation; and Brahmacharya.

For example, watching or reading pornography fits into one or more of the types of Indus Valley culture above. So, the point is that if one way of making love is wrong in a certain situation, then all seven other ways are also wrong. So, if actual copulation is offensive or wrong in a situation, so is watching porn in that setting. Upaptakas,

More from the same Smriti: “There are many Upaptakas (minor sins and turpitude)… causing others to break their vow, selfish ventures, living with an alcoholic, giving up one’s study of Vedas, sacred fires, child, and kinsmen, reading illegal and unholy literature, selling oneself or one’s own wife, all of these are Upaptakas.”

Here there is a clear mention of pornography and explicit content calling it “Upaptakas,”, which can be loosely translated to minor sin.

Is Masturbation a Sin in Hinduism? Conclusion

It’s as easy as that. Based on what the Gita says, Hindus think it’s okay to do certain things. As long as you don’t do too much of anything.’

In this case, moderation is key. Have faith in what you believe in. Don’t let things that distract you hurt your trust. These are what Hinduism teaches. You can enjoy yourself while still keeping your faith. In fact, the views of Hindus and Muslims in this area emphasize moderation more than anything else.

Is Watching Porn a Sin in Hinduism

Hinduism doesn’t have a direct “sin” concept, but it does emphasize moderation and avoiding excessive desires. Here’s how Hinduism might view watching porn:

• Kama: Porn can be seen as encouraging excessive indulgence in “Kama,” which is uncontrolled desire or lust. This can be seen as an obstacle on the path to spiritual liberation.
• Dharma: If porn addiction disrupts your duties and responsibilities (dharma), it might be considered problematic.
• Karma: Some believe watching porn creates negative karma due to its potential to exploit others or distort healthy sexuality.

Ultimately, the decision of whether watching porn is right for you is a personal one. It’s best to consider its impact on your well-being and spiritual goals.

Sex Positions Banned in Hinduism

Hinduism doesn’t actually ban any specific sex positions. Here’s why:

• Focus on Procreation: Ancient Hindu texts like Ayurveda might mention preferred positions for conception, but these aren’t necessarily bans.
• Kama Sutra: This famous text details various sexual practices, showcasing a more open view of sexuality in Hinduism.
• Respect and Consent: Hinduism emphasizes respect and consent within a marital relationship. As long as partners agree, the position itself is likely not a concern.

Some things to consider:

• Ayurveda: This traditional Indian medicine system might recommend positions based on health and well-being, but these aren’t religious restrictions.
• Religious Practices: Certain periods, like menstruation, might have restrictions on sexual activity in some Hindu traditions, but these wouldn’t be about positions.

If you’re curious about specific practices within Hinduism, it’s best to consult a scholar or religious leader you trust.

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