Marriage, Family And Divorce

Question 1

What are the roles of a child in the family?

Answer 1

• obey + respect parents

- care for parents (esp eldest son)

Question 2

Why is family life important?

Answer 2

• created by Brahman to keep society together
• raised in householder stage to reach moksha (varnashramadharma)
• where children learn about Hinduism + right/wrong
• worship in the home (puja, taken to Mandir, festivals)
• only place to bring up children

Question 3

What do Hindus believe about divorce?

Answer 3

Yes:

• husband is cruel
• unable to have children after 15 years
• 2010 law: ‘irretrievable breakdown’
• teachings do not refer to divorce (yes/no)
• financial independence of women

No:

• Laws of Manu: respect+obey husband, even if adultery
• Sita remained loyal to Rama
• strong social stigma against divorce
• dharma: duty to have children
• joining by Brahman (sacred)
• upsets cycle of Samsara
• community pressures

Remarriage is rare but some people advertise in newspapers

Question 4

What are the roles of a parent in the family?

Answer 4

• look after children
• bring children up in the Hindu faith
• set a good example of the Hindu life
• daily puja