Book Description:
Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the Third Sex
is a collection of years of research into a topic seldom
discussed or easily found within the Hindu/Vedic scriptural
canon. Based entirely upon authentic Sanskrit references
and modern concurring facts, the book guides us through
the original Hindu concept of a “third sex”
(defined as homosexuals, transgenders and the intersexed),
how such people were constructively incorporated into
ancient Indian society, and how foreign influences eventually
eroded away that noble system. It discusses how this concept
can be practically applied in today’s modern world,
the importance of all-inclusiveness in human society,
and the spiritual principle of learning to transcend material
designations altogether. Tritiya-Prakriti: People
of the Third Sex will be a valuable source of reference
for anyone interested in Hindu/LGBTI studies whether they
are newcomers to the field or seasoned veterans of Vedic
knowledge. It offers a veritable treasure trove of fresh
information and ideas that will likely challenge the reader
to rediscover and rethink Hinduism’s traditional
understanding and treatment of gay, lesbian, and other
gender-variant people within its culture.
“The recognition of a third sex in ancient India
and Hinduism is highly relevant in many ways. Our own
modern-day society has only recently begun to understand
sexual orientation, transgender identity, and intersex
conditions, and our legal and social systems are just
beginning to catch up with and accommodate such people
in a fair and realistic way…yet ancient India had
already addressed and previously resolved this issue many
thousands of years ago in the course of its own civilization’s
development. Indeed, there is much we can learn from ancient
India’s knowledge regarding the recognition and
accommodation of a ‘third sex’ within society.”
- Amara Das Wilhelm
“In India there is a system where such people (the
third sex) have their own society, and whenever there
is some good occasion like marriage or childbirth, they
go there and pray to God that this child may be very long
living.”
- A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
“Gay and lesbian people have always been a part
of society from Vedic times to our postmodern times. They
should be accepted for what they are in terms of their
sexual orientation and encouraged like everyone else to
pursue spiritual life.”
- B.V. Tripurari Swami
“…Initially, I did not really allow myself
to go deep in trying to understand the third sex. I
figured that this was necessary only for those who are
insensitive, arrogant and fundamentalist…who think
that they are compassionate and tolerant while basically
being superficial and even condescending. It is quite
amazing how most of us can be so prejudiced about so
many things and not even know it. …I thank you
and several others for your compassion and for your
tolerance in making efforts to educate your Godfamily,
so that we can be more authentic servants of the servant.”
- H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami
|
