Resources

The power that causes the menstrual cycle is within, and how can it be held polluted by that?

Q: I have been carrying this doubt ever since I was a child, and never got a satisfactory scientific or rational answer.

Menstruation is a natural process created by God. If this doesn’t happen, women can never become mothers, neither will the world exist.Hence, as a practice, is it correct to treat women under menstruation as ‘untouchables’ or restrict them from entering temples etc.? After all, our mind gets in touch with God when we pray – so, need women be forbidden from praying, if their minds are pure? Why this custom?

Swamiji: Your thoughts in this matter are quite alright. It is only that you have to embellish them, to be harmonious with the situation around you.

Of all the manifestations of God, one’s own body is the best, closest and full. What has created the body, and is inhabiting there, is God Himself. There is no doubt.

One who thinks in this manner, has no need to observe practices based on ideas of pollution in the context of menstruation. The power that causes the menstrual cycle is within, and how can it be held polluted by that? Then it must be equally polluted by the large intestine too, which carries the faecal matter!

You may do pooja. If thoughts of God can arise in the mind, words of prayer can also be uttered by the mouth. Then worship also can be done, if you need it. But even then, do not do it, if it will upset and disturb others around. That is a consideration devotional outlook warrants.

About going to a public temple during this period, I have something in the way of caution. Thoughts relating to ‘getting polluted’ etc. emerged at a time, when our lifestyle was far different. Women needed some rest during this period. Otherwise, the heavy loads they had to take in the kitchen in joint families, would have disturbed their health and wellbeing. Also the methods adopted now, to look after the menstrual flow, were not available at that time.

So, it is better not to extend it to public places, where people assemble with their own ‘constricted notions’ about purity and impurity. While one who has the clarity, purity and confidence to disregard them, can go ahead, I would still give a word of caution: Be aware that a conflict of insight and tolerance may always be there. Your job is not to pass judgement on faiths and beliefs of others, but to see how harmoniously you can mingle in the complex society.

The answer to your question is thus: ‘yes and no’. With discretion, deal with the subject. But have consideration for the constricted minds of others. The traditional discipline can be judiciously dropped or neglected, when needed, by those who are wise and are strong enough to do so.

(Published in Vicharasethu-Apr 2012 in “Ask Swamiji”)