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Krsna Calls the Cows With
His Flute
"I envy no one, nor am I partial
to anyone. I am equal to all.
But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend,
is in Me, and I am also a friend to him."
(Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, 9.29)
read more...
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FEATURED ARTICLE
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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| A detailed study into the Vedic concept of a third sex
that defines homosexuality, transgender identity and intersexed
conditions as a third category of nature apart from ordinary
heterosexual males and females. The various types of third-gender
people are all described, along with their social roles in
Vedic society and accompanied with Sanskrit references and
terminology. The original GALVA research that started it
all! |
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Sri Ardhanarisvara
"Throughout
Hindu and Vedic texts there are many descriptions
of saints, demigods, and even
the Supreme Lord transcending gender
norms and manifesting
multiple combinations of sex and gender."
(Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the
Third Sex, p. 40)
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more…
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MORE GALVA ARTICLES
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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| A valuable resource guide containing twenty-nine of the
most common and interesting Hindu deities related to gender
transformation and diversity. From Ardhanarisvara to Yellamma-devi,
this article provides brief but thorough summaries of the
various demigods, incarnations, and saintly personalities
known to transcend gender norms. These deities, worshiped
throughout India by millions of Hindus--including people
of the third sex--are shining examples of the religion's
vast diversity. Each entry includes a picture of the deity,
how the deity is associated with gender variance, appearance
pastimes, festival celebrations, and more. |
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By His Holiness Bhakti Ananda Goswami
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A thorough and scientific analysis of the various types
of intersex and homosexual conditions as understood by
modern science, and how such people should be treated according
to moral and ethical standards in today’s society.
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Srila Prabhupada and Allen Ginsberg
"...we are accepting everyone into this movement, regardless of sex, caste,
position, or whatever. Everyone is invited to come chant Hare Krsna.
This
is Caitanya Mahaprabhu's munificence, His liberality."
(Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta)
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| Excerpts from Srila Prabhupada-Lilamrta by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami |
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This article is filled with fascinating exchanges of
friendship between a holy man from India and a homosexual
activist of the Beat generation, which took place during
the critical period of the 1960s. A.C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada sets the example on how devotees of the
Lord should respect and befriend everyone, including openly
homosexual people.
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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A detailed explanation of the two types of dharma or
religion based on the writings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Naimittika or temporary dharma is concerned with the external rituals
and regulations of religion, while jaiva or Vaishnava dharma
addresses the eternal nature of the soul, stressing compassion
and the inclusion of all living beings. This article
explains how we must give precedence to the latter by emphasizing
the person (jaiva-dharma) over the ritual (naimittika-dharma).
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Gender Diversity in Nature
"Just
as there are many incredible displays of sex and gender
variety among Hindu deities, so also
nature displays an amazing
array of sex and gender diversity within
the animal kingdom."
(Tritiya-Prakriti: People of the
Third Sex, p. 100)
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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A fascinating look into the many different third-gender
expressions found around the world and throughout time. From
the aikane of Polynesia to the zenana of
Pakistan, this article demonstrates how homosexual, transgender
and intersex beings—both human and animal—have
existed as a part of the natural world since time immemorial.
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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A historical perspective on homosexuality in India and
how its formerly permissive and liberal society was corrupted
by caste consciousness and artificially imposed Islamic
and Victorian “values.”
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Lord Krsna Crossdressed as Syamali
“When
Radharani and I had quarreled, and She was angry with
Me,
I disguised Myself as a woman
[Syamali] and appeared before Her.”
(Sri Ujjvala-nilamani, p. 204)
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more…
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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This article offers a fascinating collection of quotes
from Gaudiya Vaishnava literature describing intimate same-sex
relationships in Krsna’s pastimes that includes the
cowherd boys love for Krsna, the gopis love for
Radha, crossdressing, ecstatic feelings of separation,
levels of bhava, etc.
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| By Amara Das Wilhelm |
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| In this section we examine several important issues that
need to be addressed within contemporary Hinduism and Vaishnavism,
including gays living in the ashrama, gay-oriented religious
organizations, and the question of same-sex marriage. |
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Lord Caitanya as Radha and Krsna Combined
"Being very satisfied, Lord Caitanya smiled and showed
Ramananda Raya His
real form as the combination of Sri
Radha and Krsna."
(Teachings of Lord Caitanya)
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| By Amara dasa |
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This article is an appeal to the Gaudiya Vaishnava community
to stop discriminating against gay members and guests.
It offers five guidelines to follow that will easily enable
any temple or preaching center to truly become "gay-friendly."
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