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This is a new topic to discuss Hinduism, its diverse forms and philosophies. If you want to compare Hinduism to other Eastern religions, including Islam, please use the thread created for that purpose.

I'll kick this off with something perhaps a little controversial (for some).

Hinduism is unusual for those of us with a Christian background because it is quite comfortable with sexuality and even sees a close link between eroticism and spiritual devotion. There is Tantra Yoga which uses sexuality as a path to spirituality; there is the sexual frenzy associated with worship of Krishna and the cow-girl Radha; and there is the blatant sexual imagery of the lingam and yoni in the worship of Shiva and Shakti.

Here is a modern piece of erotic fiction called Sunday Morning (be warned: it is sexually explicit, although not pornographic, well, not in my view anyway). The author appears to be a Hindu who "likes to explore the boundaries of sex and enlightenment".

For those who are closer to Hinduism: Is this story a religious tale as well as being clearly erotic? Tell us what you think.

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that is beyond crazy lol!!! that is actually how its practiced, in the lighter half that is, just wait till u hear of the darker half

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(its not a religious script but that was description of kundalini yoga, u retain all your energy this way, uniting the Shiva and Shakti (male and female power) to create a wonderful bliss, and passion that never ceases.......but can be frustrating if uncontrollable hahaha, ok i'll stop

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lol ... thanks, rudraksha, for the added insights.

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When I briefly went over an Indian art book of Hindu religion, I came across a word Puranic.

I am very curious. I was wondering if someone can tell me what does this Puranic signify? Is there difference between Vedic and Puranic? Are they two different the two types of Hinduism?

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These wikipedia pages on the Purana and Vedas might be a useful start in your enquiries. Good luck!

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Thanks, Arizona. I have looked it up. So Veda and Purana is just the different writings, and not a different form of Hinduism. Perhaps, like the canonical Bible and the Apocryphal texts. (This is the way I understand it that is.)

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I finally got myself a book on Hindu Myths, which is the title of this book (Penguin Classics, translated by Wendy O'Flaherty). It has various translations from Veda to Puranic. They are only some selected texts. The one I wanted to read is their creation myths.

When will I read it, I don't know. Because I am bit busy at the moment with other readings. So the book is stacked on one of two tall piles of books that I haven't read yet. (I've got myself my very own TWO TOWERS!!! )

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 storyteller

LOL @ storyteller!!

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Reading about Prajapati and Brahma, involving in the creation, you will find a more explicit description of father (Prajapati) committing incest with his daughter (Rudra). It is far descriptive more about either seducing or raping the daughter, than I think Western readers would probably like. Incest is quite common for creative myth around the world, but the Hindu writing is definitely more openly sexual than the Egyptian.

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The Western world (Europe mainly and then the New World) have been strongly influenced by the anti-erotic stance of Judaism and Christianity. This is true, also, with Islam. Hinduism and much of Asian philosophy, culture, and religion, kept a sane attitude to sex as a part of life and its pleasures and even purposes.

China and Japan were also very comfortable with the erotic nature of humanity.

Incest is a funny thing: OK for the gods to indulge in, not so OK when humans do it.

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HHMMM, OK, -The piece of 'fiction' called 'Sunday Morning'.
DEFINITELY a Male piece of work from someone young, [bladder engorgement causing non-erotic stimulated morning erectile tumescence] -this appears to be a short piece by someone who has had a passing contact with the outermost teachings of the Inner Alchemy. Possibly a Westerner. [I notice the reference therein to "Tao and Tantra" used together.]

In his piece the Author reveals more than he knows, when he gives his companion's position as considering 'all that stuff nonsense' and furthur, she is not being relaxed about oral stimulation or the taste of fresh bodily secretions. [all these point to inherent sexual shame and are particularly but not exclusively, a part of Western Religious conditioning]

These things DO tell us that his partner is NOT a Tantrika and accordingly either the Male in the purported scenario is not a Tantric practitioner either, or he is in fact, merely a plunderer.

The Taoist Religious texts abound with tales of 'plunderers' and what happens when the Fox Spirits manage to get hold of them. *wink*

I had to laugh however when I read 'rudraksha's post about-"that is how it is practiced in the lighter half that is", --I ask, but how can"it" be practiced, when only one half of the fullness is participating? -and furthur when he snickers-"just wait till u hear of the darker half" --I wonder if he even suspects there is such a thing as Secret Women's Business?? LOLOL

If 'rudraksha' had bothered to have taken the time, to have been accepted for training in the Noble and Sublime ART of Kundalini Yoga; -then I fully expect that he would have been unable to have written, -"to create a wonderful bliss, and passion that never ceases."
Perhaps he would have written instead something like, --to perfect the mind , purify the body, and en-noble the paths of all those, both in this world and the next, on the wheel of rebirth. [the ecstasy involved in "the Contract of The Seven Hours of Bliss" is merely a side issue]

In summation I'd have to admit that I found "Sunday Morning" Religious rather than Spiritual, [I mean, HEY, this IS the Religious Forum] and tittilating rather than erotic. I apologise if my remarks or perspective tend to provoke any offence. I guess my jaded tastes demand quality in a partner and experience these days.

--------------------Om Shanti All ------------------

-------------------- Bom Shankar------------------

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Sadly, I think that Sue_Mie's jokes are lost on a lot of people, including myself. I sense good humour there but I don't comprehend it. 8(

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I'd guess that the problem Sue_Mie has, not just here, but in other forums like Politics, Chats, etc. And when people do understand what she is saying, they don't like hearing about it.

She seemed very radical in her views that most people don't understand her or they get offended. And her humours do tends to pack a lot of bite into it, that leave some people to reteliate it.

There seemed to be hostility between American members, like ryanusac2003, and Sue_Mie.

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That's a pity. I think Sue_Mie has a lot to offer. She needs to relax a bit in her intensity and release her self-expression in more manageable bits. I hope she perseveres and learns to loosen up a bit.