Homosexuality

October 1991

 Q: Please, clarify your stand on homosexuality in terms of Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy and in the context of establishing a Prout society?

     When considering homosexual behavior one must take into consideration both the physiological and the psychological disposition of the individual. A person cannot deny their innate tendencies. This is true in all areas of human endeavor. To repress one's innate disposition is to undermine the expansion and development of ones humanity. If this is done, not only the individual suffers but so does  the society at large.  A Proutist society, a true society,  must be based upon the maximum utilization of the innate human tendencies and potentialities. Anti-social tendencies are never suppressed as they will surface elsewhere. They are redirected, or through education and the development of dharmic sentiment they are neutralized.

     Now, basic human tendencies, human needs, cannot be suppressed or the humanity  becomes crippled and a true society  cannot be formed. For a true society to exist basic tendencies must find suitable expression.

     Now, the question arises, is homosexual behavior natural to a human being or is it unnatural?  I say, it is a natural tendency for some people due to both physical and psychological disposition. It cannot be suppressed or else society will suffer. There must be acceptance and a place for those people who are inclined in this manner. No one should be persecuted for their physical or psychological disposition. It is a crime against a segment of humanity. Let it be stopped. Homosexuality must have a place in a Proutist society as others innate human tendencies must also have expression. No one should be oppressed due to  their innate disposition, or psychological leanings.  Let them have their place also.

Q: Could you say more about homosexuality in terms of Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy?

     It is unidiologically to say that any segment of humanity should be oppressed. There will always be people who have homosexual tendencies. They will always exist in any society. They have always existed throughout human history, in all human societies.

     Now if one segment of human society can be oppressed, so can any other segment. It is unidiological to oppress human beings for their natural tendencies.

     As it concerns spiritual ideology, I say to love the Supreme is the Dharma of human beings. They may be black or white, brown or tan.  They may be homosexual,  heterosexual or celibate. It does not matter. They are all the children  of the same father, of the same Supreme Progenitor. No one should  be outcast or rejected. All are equal in the eyes of that Divine Entity.

     Let us say, a man is predisposed to homosexual feelings, yet he is a sadhaka. Should he feel he is unworthy of the love and affection of his Supreme Father?  He should  not. That Supreme Entity does not look if he is homosexual or if he is tall or short. It does not matter. What matters is the condition of his heart. You see, human beings come in many shapes  and sizes and colors. This is of no significance, only the hue of their spiritual heart is of any importance. 

     So, in spiritual philosophy it is said that Shiva and Shakti are two sides, the  two faces of one Supreme Consciousness. It is  significant that this Supreme Consciousness  is neither male nor female. It contains within itself  both the masculine and the feminine. This is to say that a human being must  become both masculine and feminine. Qualities of both will develop as a sadhaka progresses. The male will become softer  and sweeter. He will become  immersed in devotional sentiment as well as more  virile and strong. The female will likewise gain mental and intellectual strength as well as becoming soft and yielding. So, male and female become more closely aligned as sadhana deepens.  If a person has a homosexual disposition, either physically or psychologically,  they will find integration of masculine and feminine traits as will a person of heterosexual  involvement.  So, don't worry.  Though the main stream of society will always be based in heterosexual leaning, there will remain a portion of society which will be predisposed to homosexuality. Let it be said that tolerance and compassion are the guideposts of our ideology. It is enough.