Should A Person Who Want Moksha Have Sex?
The Quest for Moksha: Should a Person Who Wants Liberation from the Cycle of Birth and Death Avoid Sex?
In the realm of spirituality, particularly in Vaishnavism, the pursuit of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) is a revered goal. Many seekers of Moksha often wonder if their pursuit of spiritual liberation is compatible with the natural human desire for intimacy and connection. In this article, we will delve into the scriptures of Vaishnavism to explore the relationship between sex, marriage, and the quest for Moksha.
The Importance of Moksha in Vaishnavism
In Vaishnavism, Moksha is considered the ultimate goal of human existence. It is the state of liberation from the cycle of birth and death, where the individual soul (jiva) merges with the Supreme Being (Brahman). The pursuit of Moksha is considered a sacred duty, and many Vaishnavs strive to attain it through devotion, selfless service, and spiritual practices.
The Role of Sex in Vaishnavism
In Vaishnavism, sex is viewed as a natural aspect of human life, but it is also considered a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha. The scriptures of Vaishnavism, such as the Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires, including sex.
Scriptural References: Avoiding Sex for Moksha
While there is no explicit scripture that states that those who want Moksha should avoid sex at all costs, even with their wife, there are several references that suggest that sex can be a hindrance to spiritual progress.
- Bhagavata Purana (10.33.38-39): This scripture states that a person who is attached to sex and other worldly desires is not eligible for spiritual knowledge. It also warns that sex can lead to a decrease in spiritual merit and an increase in karma.
- Bhagavad Gita (2.59): In this scripture, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to control his senses and avoid attachment to worldly desires, including sex. Krishna states that a person who is attached to sex and other worldly desires is not eligible for spiritual knowledge.
- Vaishnav Smritis: Some Vaishnav Smritis, such as the Padma Purana and the Varaha Purana, suggest that sex can be a hindrance to spiritual progress. These scriptures emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires.
The Case of Saints with Siddhis
There are several saints in Vaishnavism who were known to have Siddhis (supernatural powers) and yet were married and had children. Some examples include:
- Lord Chaitanya: Lord Chaitanya, the founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnav tradition, was married and had children. Despite his busy schedule as a spiritual leader, he was known to be devoted to his wife and children.
- Sri Rupa Goswami: Sri Rupa Goswami, a prominent Vaishnav saint and poet, was married and had children. He was known to be a devoted husband and father, and yet he was also a great spiritual leader.
- Sri Jiva Goswami: Sri Jiva Goswami, another Vaishnav saint and scholar, was married and had children. He was known to be a devoted husband and father, and yet he was also a great spiritual leader.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there is no explicit scripture that states that those who want Moksha should avoid sex at all costs, even with their wife, there are several references that suggest that sex can be a hindrance to spiritual progress. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires, including sex. However, it is also possible for individuals to pursue spiritual liberation while still being married and having children. The cases of saints with Siddhis, such as Lord Chaitanya, Sri Rupa Goswami, and Sri Jiva Goswami, demonstrate that it is possible to balance spiritual pursuits with family life.
Recommendations for Seekers of Moksha
For seekers of Moksha who are married and have children, the following recommendations may be helpful:
- Practice self-control: Practice self-control and detachment from worldly desires, including sex. This can help to reduce attachment and increase spiritual merit.
- Focus on devotion: Focus on devotion to the Supreme Being and engage in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and selfless service.
- Balance family life and spiritual pursuits: Balance family life and spiritual pursuits. This can help to reduce stress and increase spiritual merit.
- Seek guidance from spiritual leaders: Seek guidance from spiritual leaders who have achieved Moksha. They can provide valuable insights and guidance on the path to spiritual liberation.
By following these recommendations and practicing self-control, detachment, and devotion, seekers of Moksha can balance their spiritual pursuits with family life and achieve their goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sex, Marriage, and Moksha
In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions related to sex, marriage, and Moksha in Vaishnavism.
Q: Is it possible to achieve Moksha while being married and having children?
A: Yes, it is possible to achieve Moksha while being married and having children. Many Vaishnav saints and scholars have achieved Moksha while being married and having children. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being.
Q: What is the relationship between sex and Moksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, sex is viewed as a natural aspect of human life, but it is also considered a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires, including sex.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha have sex with their wife?
A: While there is no explicit scripture that states that those who want Moksha should avoid sex at all costs, even with their wife, there are several references that suggest that sex can be a hindrance to spiritual progress. However, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide what is best for their spiritual growth.
Q: What is the role of detachment in achieving Moksha?
A: Detachment is a crucial aspect of achieving Moksha. It involves letting go of attachment to worldly desires, including sex, and focusing on devotion to the Supreme Being. Detachment can help to reduce attachment and increase spiritual merit.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in family life?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in family life. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing family life and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the relationship between marriage and Moksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, marriage is viewed as a sacred institution, but it is also considered a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires, including marriage.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have children?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have children. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing family life and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of self-control in achieving Moksha?
A: Self-control is a crucial aspect of achieving Moksha. It involves controlling one's senses and desires, including sex, and focusing on devotion to the Supreme Being. Self-control can help to reduce attachment and increase spiritual merit.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in worldly activities?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in worldly activities. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing worldly activities and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the relationship between devotion andoksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, devotion is considered the key to achieving Moksha. Devotion involves focusing on the Supreme Being and engaging in spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, and selfless service. Devotion can help to increase spiritual merit and reduce attachment.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have friends and social relationships?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have friends and social relationships. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing social relationships and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of spiritual leaders in achieving Moksha?
A: Spiritual leaders can play a crucial role in helping individuals achieve Moksha. They can provide guidance, support, and inspiration on the path to spiritual liberation. Seek guidance from spiritual leaders who have achieved Moksha, and follow their advice and guidance.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in worldly pleasures?
A: No, a person who wants Moksha should avoid engaging in worldly pleasures, including sex, as they can be a hindrance to spiritual progress. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of self-control and detachment from worldly desires.
Q: What is the relationship between karma and Moksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, karma is viewed as a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of reducing karma and increasing spiritual merit. This can be achieved through selfless service, devotion, and spiritual practices.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have a career or profession?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have a career or profession. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing career or profession and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of selfless service in achieving Moksha?
A: Selfless service is a crucial aspect of achieving Moksha. It involves serving others without expectation of reward or recognition. Selfless service can help to increase spiritual merit and reduce attachment.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in leisure activities?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in leisure activities. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing leisure activities and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the relationship between attachment and Moksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, attachment is viewed as a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of reducing attachment and increasing spiritual merit. This can be achieved through selfless service, devotion, and spiritual practices.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have a family business or enterprise?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have a family business or enterprise. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing family business or and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of spiritual practices in achieving Moksha?
A: Spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, and selfless service, are crucial aspects of achieving Moksha. They can help to increase spiritual merit and reduce attachment.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in social activism?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in social activism. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing social activism and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the relationship between detachment and Moksha?
A: In Vaishnavism, detachment is considered a crucial aspect of achieving Moksha. Detachment involves letting go of attachment to worldly desires, including sex, and focusing on devotion to the Supreme Being. Detachment can help to reduce attachment and increase spiritual merit.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have a hobby or interest?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have a hobby or interest. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing hobby or interest and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of spiritual leaders in guiding individuals on the path to Moksha?
A: Spiritual leaders can play a crucial role in guiding individuals on the path to Moksha. They can provide guidance, support, and inspiration on the path to spiritual liberation. Seek guidance from spiritual leaders who have achieved Moksha, and follow their advice and guidance.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in creative activities?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in creative activities. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing creative activities and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the relationship between karma and attachment?
A: In Vaishnavism, karma is viewed as a potential obstacle on the path to Moksha, and attachment is considered a major contributor to karma. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of reducing karma and attachment through selfless service, devotion, and spiritual practices.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still have a pet or animal companion?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still have a pet or animal companion. However, it requires great self-control, detachment, and devotion to the Supreme Being. The scriptures of Vaishnavism emphasize the importance of balancing pet or animal companion and spiritual pursuits.
Q: What is the role of selfless service in reducing karma and attachment?
A: Selfless service is a crucial aspect of reducing karma and attachment. It involves serving others without expectation of reward or recognition. Selfless service can help to increase spiritual merit and reduce attachment.
Q: Can a person who wants Moksha still engage in travel or exploration?
A: Yes, a person who wants Moksha can still engage in travel or exploration. However, it requires great self