15/05/2025
*The Cultural Perception of Pleasure and Procreation*
— Prof. Sudesh Kumar ( sudeshkumar.com )
Our understanding of pleasure and procreation is profoundly shaped by multiple factors, viz. cultural, religious, and societal norms. Pleasure is not merely a sensory event, but a complex experience involving emotional states. While procreation is a biological imperative, pleasure serves as a powerful motivator, ensuring that s*xual activity occurs frequently enough to sustain populations.
In Hinduism, *xuality is governed by the concept of k**a (sensual pleasure), one of the four purusharthas (human aims), alongside (duty), artha (prosperity), and (liberation). The Dharma Sastras prescribe marital s*x for procreation, but acknowledges its role in fostering intimacy. The Vedic perspective emphasizes that s*x within marriage should align with dharma, ideally occurring for procreation. The reinforces this by distinguishing **a aligned with duty from hedonistic indulgence.
The ambiguously states, “what seems unnatural is also natural,” Whereas , a socio-political ideology largely rejects non-heteros*xual relations, enforcing traditional marriage norms. However, scholars argue that moksha is attainable regardless of *xualorientation if one practices self-restraint.
In many other faiths and , pleasure is not merely a byproduct but an intended blessing, designed to deepen the bond between spouses and contribute to the flourishing of the relationship. The distinction between " " and " " eros, as described in Plato’s Symposium, highlights the difference between selfish gratification and a love that seeks the good of the other, suggesting that s*xuality can be a means of cultivating virtue and deep relational connection.
The debate over whether s*x is primarily for procreation or pleasure is longstanding, with perspectives shaped by culture, religion, and evolving . For most people today, the majority of s*xual encounters are motivated by pleasure, , stress relief, and , rather than the intent to conceive.
Read the full article @ ( sudeshkumar.com )