Making Love

Hindus's attitude toward sex is perplexing to many outsiders. No one can fail to notice the expansive variety of sexual postures assumed by half-naked statues that decorate the outside of many Indian temples! Yet to outward apparences, many if not most Hindus are quite sexually conservative. Not only women, but men are often still sexually inexperienced on their wedding night. And it seems overly prudish to Westerners that many Hindu women remain dressed even while bathing! (This was also the practice in much of Europe till fairly recently.)

Sexuality is celebrated in Hinduism, but generally within the context of marriage. By confining one's amorous adventures to a spouse, the sexual drive is expressed in a healthy manner and yet also disciplined. There have, of course, always been other norms. A few parts of India have been known for their more relaxed

attitudes toward sexuality. Today as Western influence becomes more pervasive, sexual experimentation is increasing among Hindus generally.