One of the most fundamental aims of Indian culture has been the thrust towards spirituality. From our music, to art, to sculpture, all has been the push towards the Immanent beyond, the Nirvana of Buddha, the Brahman of the Vedantist. And it was not a naive doctrine that said that everyone must reach this goal and set out for it immediately. The system of the triple quartain was put in place recognizing that man has to move in steps to the ultimate goal of life; the one goal that can give lasting bliss, peace and freedom, in contrast to the transience of our mortal coil. And so Indian culture accepted every aspect of life, even the sexual act for that matter, and slowly lead man towards the divine culmination gradually, in steps.
Many temples depict an element of erotica, but you will notice that it is either on the outside, or at the base of the temple. Once one enters the temple, the sex-act gives way to apsaras and gods and finally to the supreme deity within. Sometimes, this same pattern is followed from bottom to top. This is symbolic of the gradual progress of man from fulfilling his basest needs to attaining the ultimate goal of the Divine Union. This speaks for the audacity of Indian Spirituality.
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Immorality Play
Dilip D'Souza
rediff.com
