Introduction:
This inquiry takes us on a sophisticated trip through classic philosophical works in an effort to comprehend the underlying perspectives on women.
We will read and discuss the works of ancient Greek, Chinese, Indian, and other philosophers from around the world. With this multifaceted approach, we want to better understand the particulars of ancient philosophical discourse on the topic of women.
Recognizing that views on gender equality were often entwined with the prevailing social, religious, and cultural contexts, it is crucial to approach this study with an open mind. We hope that by exploring the philosophical landscape of antiquity, we can gain a better appreciation for the remarkable thinkers who, in their own ways, challenged conventions and paved the way for progress toward greater equality and justice, as well as a better understanding of historical attitudes towards women.
Beyond Gender: Embracing the Universal Essence of Being Human
The essence of being human is the connecting thread in the vast fabric of humanity. All humans, regardless of their gender, share common characteristics and life experiences. We are most similar to one another in our ability to love, dream, feel joy and sadness, and make sense of life’s complexities.
This idea that gender doesn’t define who we are at our core is reflected in Vedanta, a sophisticated philosophy that explores the nature of reality and the self. Vedanta’s teachings are inclusive of both sexes because they acknowledge that seeking spiritual enlightenment and the truth are universal pursuits.
The revered sages or rishis of ancient India led the Vedic philosophical traditions, which provided profound insights into the nature of existence, ethics, and societal harmony. Within these texts, we find intriguing glimpses of perspectives on women’s equality that stand as testament to the nuanced views held by some ancient Indian philosophers.
The Rigveda, one of the earliest Vedic scriptures, has songs that celebrate women and their contributions to society and religious rites. Women were considered full participants in all rituals and ceremonies within the Vedic community. There are also passages in the Rigveda that celebrate women for their brilliance, strength, and wisdom, recognizing their value to the home and the community.
Concept Of Ardhangini:
The concept of Ardhangini, which literally translates to “better half,” underscores the idea of a complementary partnership between men and women. This notion recognizes that both genders bring unique strengths and qualities to the union, fostering a sense of balance and equality.
The soul or Atman is not limited to either gender.
The soul, or Atman, is not limited to either gender, according to ancient Indian intellectual traditions such as Vedanta and Upanishadic teachings. This religious viewpoint suggests that the core of every person, regardless of their gender, is equal and divine.
Allegorical tales of female sages and seers are found in ancient texts like the Upanishads, showing that spiritual insight can come from anyone. One such tale is that of Maitreyi and her husband, the great sage Yajnavalkya, who engaged in deep intellectual conversations. This story demonstrates the spiritual maturity and intellectual prowess of ancient women philosophers.
The diverse and extensive body of thought from ancient India attests to the possibility of promoting women's full spiritual and social equality. These underlying ideas are still relevant in present-day debates on women's empowerment and equality.
From this vantage point, men and women are like two sides of a whole, with different skills and insights that together make up the fullness of humanity. The vital energy that flows through a woman’s veins is identical to that which throbs within a man’s chest. There is no difference between the sexes when it comes to the things that motivate us to succeed.
Men and women are equally endowed in terms of intelligence and originality. Anyone’s mind, regardless of their gender, can be creative, wise, and curious. The ability to foresee a better future, to problem-solve, and to contribute to the collective advancement of society is a gift bestowed upon all human beings, irrespective of gender.
Our very survival depends on our capacity for mutual understanding, friendship, and mutual aid. These connections allow us to feel comfort, strength, and the ability to motivate and inspire others.
When it comes to issues of human rights, respect, and dignity, there can be no give and take. Everyone, regardless of their gender, has inalienable worth and value. Everyone, regardless of their gender, ought to be treated fairly and given a fair chance to succeed in life.
Rigveda’s Reverence: Celebrating the Divine Feminine and Women’s Contributions
The Rigveda is one of the earliest Hindu scriptures, dating back to about 1500 and 1200 BCE. It is a compilation of ceremonies, prayers, and hymns to various gods. The ancient scripture contains hymns that celebrate women for their contributions to society and religion.
Hymns Dedicated to Goddesses:
Hymns honouring Ushas (the goddess of dawn), Aditi (the mother of all gods), and Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and wisdom) can be found in the Rigveda. These anthems celebrate the strength and significance of female goddesses and pay homage to the divine feminine.
Rituals Involving Women:
Women are mentioned as taking part in rituals and ceremonies in the Rigveda. Women played a vital part in Vedic rites, as evidenced by their frequent participation in these ceremonies.
Dedicated to the Wisdom of Women:
A song celebrating women’s knowledge and strength can be found in Rigveda 10.85. This honours their efforts at home and in the larger community. This hymn is frequently used to support the idea that women were treated more fairly in ancient Vedic society.
Hymn 5.61: Praise for Female Seers:
The Rishikas, or female sages, are the intended recipients of this hymn. This honours their enlightened understanding, deep spirituality, and contributions to Vedic studies. This shows that women’s intellectual and spiritual qualities were valued.
Hymn 8.33: Praising the Strength of Women
This hymn celebrates women’s courage and perseverance, especially after childbirth. The importance of women in creating and maintaining life is emphasized.
Hymn 10.159: The Hymn of Creation:
This hymn, the “Nasadiya Sukta,” explores questions about the universe’s beginnings and the essence of creation. It favours a more unbiased perspective and does not differentiate between men and women in its philosophical analysis.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Rigveda provides glimpses into a society where women held important roles in religious and social contexts. These hymns demonstrate an acknowledgment of the value, wisdom, and contributions of women in ancient Vedic culture. It’s important to note that while these hymns reflect a more inclusive view, societal norms and practices may have varied in different regions and periods of ancient India.
I very much enjoyed looking at this post.
It says “societal norms and practices may have varied in different regions and periods of ancient India.”
I imagine this is still the case all over the world.
In this connection it is interesting to contemplate what is said about intersectionality.
It seems to me: “Harmony of Masculine and Feminine Energies”
can best be celebrated where there is this intersectionality between gender, class and race.
Respected Uta madam,
Thank you so much for your reply.
You’ve touched on a crucial point. The celebration of the “Harmony of Masculine and Feminine Energies” is most potent and meaningful when it occurs within a framework that embraces intersectionality. This perspective acknowledges and respects the multifaceted nature of human identity, which includes gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, and other dimensions.
Intersectionality recognizes that various aspects of a person’s identity intersect and overlap, influencing their experiences, perspectives, and opportunities. When we celebrate the harmony of masculine and feminine energies within this context, we honor the diverse and unique experiences of individuals across different social and cultural backgrounds.
This inclusive approach not only promotes a more comprehensive understanding of gender equality, but it also recognizes the broader spectrum of human experiences and the need for justice and equity for all. It allows for a more holistic and compassionate approach to addressing the complexities of inequality and discrimination that individuals may face.
By embracing intersectionality, we create a more inclusive space for dialogue, learning, and action, ultimately contributing to a more just and harmonious society. It’s a powerful lens through which we can work towards a world where all individuals, regardless of their gender, class, race, or other identities, are able to thrive and contribute to the greater good.
Best wishes and regards.
Arun
It is strange that the topic you raised did not arouse interest and discussion among readers.
It is interesting due to the presentation of information and the facts presented.
Despite the fact that at the beginning of the post you talk about human equality regardless of gender, you give examples of women’s contributions precisely from the point of view of male values of a person’s importance to society. And women have their own values, by which the importance of their contribution to society is assessed.
In my understanding, it is then necessary to write in a mirror way – both about women and about men. Otherwise, it is not clear why only about women. It’s as if women are inferior creatures, but you say, Arun, that even such, generally not very developed creatures, had successes that were noted in history. This is a purely male view of the world, where exactly male values are assessed, according to which women have had successes and victories. As if you are proving that women are not as stupid and helpless as is commonly believed.
Then I propose to make a mirror publication, where the place of a woman in life is designated as having such functions without which life on earth would be impossible. It is “feminine” values to be designated. In addition to childbirth, there are many more such functions, which, due to physiology and psychological structure, are inherent in the world mainly only to women. And then consider outstanding men who glorified themselves precisely from the point of view of these conventionally feminine values. I think that the picture will not be very impressive from these positions, and even somewhat depressing.
Then it will be possible to really compare the place and role of different genders, their actual equality due to the fact that they are intended for different tasks, and not equate them from the point of view of looking at their achievements in the context of male values. Therefore, while each of them fulfills his task, they are obliged to be very different and in harmony with each other in order to fully realize the goals of the single spirit.
I hope you have a nice weekend.
Olga
Thank you so much Olga for a detailed analysis. It is true that my topic has not raised interest among people.
Probably I couldn’t place the topic in proper manner. I wanted to say that every creature is equally important and complementary to each other.
Every creature has it’s own value which should not be compared with.
I am a non-dualist.
I see an universal Connectedness in every being.
It is mankind that has created seperatedness between caste, creeds, sexs, man, woman, transgender and able or specially abled etc etc.
I see that one is fulfilled with the other.
Women and men are not different, rather they are one like a coin, having two sides.
They are one as seen in magnet 🧲 with South pole and North pole. There is no identity of magnet with a single pole either south or north. A magnet is complete when both north south are present.
Therefore I wanted to share my thoughts of equality.
Maybe my presentation didn’t cover my thoughts 🤔
Thank you so much for projecting your views. Each gender fulfills their individual tasks as per their nature of reality.
Wish you a very blissful evening.
Regards 😊 🙏 💐
Arun
Thank you for your detailed answer, Arun.
I completely agree with the idea itself.
My explanations were not related to the idea itself, but to the arguments that supported it in this article.
Such arguments would be more suitable for a feminist publication, since they cite examples of women who are known for their outstanding achievements in the context of the values of a patriarchal world.
But if the value of a person is important in the Universe regardless of gender, and even in the harmony of masculine and feminine, then the arguments should be about the outstanding harmony of masculine and feminine, and not just about women or men.
Best regards, Olga
Excellent 👌
Thank you so much for sharing your insights on this subject.
Well explained everything 🙏
Have a blissful weekend 😊
😊🙏☺
🙏🙏