Hindu Beliefs about Life and Death » Childlessness, Contraception and the Sannyasi

Children and childlessness

The lessons Childlessness, Fertility Treatment and Genetic Engineering and Contraception, Celibacy, Adoption and Fostering explained the general ideas, the law and non-religious views. This lesson looks at what Hindus believe.

Traditionally, children are very important in Hindu life. In the lesson Dharma and the Four Ashramas you met the householder stage, when a person marries, brings up a family and carries out their duties. Having children is part of that dharma. Children also care for their parents in old age and carry the family forward.

There is a second, religious reason. Many Hindus believe that a child, traditionally a son, should perform the funeral rites for a parent, and later offer rites in memory of the family's ancestors. Hindus believe these rites help the soul on its journey after death (see Samsara, Karma and Reincarnation in Hinduism). So for some Hindus, a couple with no children may worry about who will perform these duties, as well as feeling the sadness of childlessness.

Attitudes are changing. Many Hindus today say that a daughter can perform the rites, and many couples without children find meaning in their work, in caring for relatives and in service to others. Some Hindus choose not to have children. Some Hindus see this as a loss of duty, while others say a couple should decide for themselves.

Key terms:

• Renunciation: giving up home, possessions and ties in order to follow a spiritual life.

Fertility treatment and genetic engineering

Genetic engineering follows the same pattern. Many Hindus accept it if it prevents or cures serious illness, because relieving suffering is a good aim. Many are more cautious about choosing a baby's features, or about experiments that harm embryos or other living things. Hindus do not all agree, and there is no single official ruling for all Hindus.

Contraception

Contraception is generally accepted by Hindus. A couple who plan the size of their family can look after the children they have, which fits with the duties of the householder. Methods that stop a pregnancy from starting are usually seen as acceptable, while methods that end a pregnancy are seen very differently because of the teaching on ahimsa (see Sanctity of Life and Abortion: Hindu Views). A few Hindus prefer self-control to artificial methods, as part of a disciplined way of life.

Celibacy and the sannyasi

Celibacy means not having sexual relationships. Hindus do not expect everyone to be celibate, because marriage and family are part of dharma. But celibacy has its place at two points in the four stages of life.

• The student stage (brahmacharya): a young person is expected to be celibate and to concentrate on learning, self-discipline and respect for their teacher.
• The renouncer stage (sannyasa): at the end of life, a person may become a sannyasi.

A sannyasi is a renouncer who gives up home, possessions and family ties to seek moksha, release from the cycle of rebirth. A sannyasi:

• is celibate, with no marriage or sexual relationships;
• owns almost nothing, and often depends on gifts of food from others;
• often wears simple robes, traditionally saffron (orange);
• may wander from place to place, or live in an ashram or a quiet place;
• spends time in prayer, meditation and study of the scriptures.

Many Hindus respect sannyasis as examples of a spiritual life, offer them food, and ask for their blessing or advice. Some Hindus become sannyasis earlier in life instead of waiting for old age. The sannyasi has given up even the wish for a family, so celibacy helps them to break the attachments that tie a person to the world.

Adoption and fostering

Hindus generally accept adoption and fostering. Caring for a child who needs a home is a service to others and fits with compassion and dharma. Traditionally, adopting a child, often a relative's child, has also been a way for a childless couple to have a child to carry the family forward and to perform the funeral rites. Many Hindus also see fostering as a way to help a child who needs a home for a time.

Exam-style question

(a) Identify three features of the lifestyle of a sannyasi. [3 marks]

(b) Choose one religion. Outline two religious teachings about celibacy in this religion. [4 marks]

(c) Choose one religion. Explain why there are different attitudes to childlessness in this religion. [6 marks]

(d) 'Celibacy is the best way to live a religious life.' Evaluate this statement, showing you have considered different points of view. In your answer you should refer to at least one religion. [12 marks]