Why can't there be male-female equality in ALL religions?

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

QUOTE 46 EXCERPT:

Similarly, as you pointed out, it's an unnecessary distraction to devote much attention to male-female inequality issues. However, having said that, I am not adverse to occasionally challenging these inequality teachings which are most assuredly of the lower planes.

NOTE: Accomplished yogis and other sages can change their outward form, including gender, at will but that is something probably not understood by the "superior" teachers of the lower planes.

Still Waters,

I appreciate that you picked up on what I was attempting to point out. The Zen teaching was perfectly succinct. That demonstrates how different traditions can provide insight to understanding one’s own chosen tradition. If we are to mature beyond our lower planes we can rise above any sense of competition with others…..it is recognizing that divisiveness is a roadblock to the ultimate that we seek.

As a footnote some might remind us that God created ‘them’ male and female….’them’ being regarded as a specific creation. We, in our limited understanding, choose to separate and divide ‘them’. We should then be reminded that it was the intention of God to join them together to become one flesh. Maybe the earliest example of synergy ?……..:)

[Still_Waters]

QUOTE 6 EXCERPT:

Originally Posted by Molearner

I appreciate that you picked up on what I was attempting to point out. The Zen teaching was perfectly succinct. That demonstrates how different traditions can provide insight to understanding one’s own chosen tradition. If we are to mature beyond our lower planes we can rise above any sense of competition with others…..it is recognizing that divisiveness is a roadblock to the ultimate that we seek.

Amen !

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

In Hinduism, the trinity is male-female (Brahma-Sarasvati, Vishnu-Lakshmi, Shiva-Parvati/Durga/Kali). My spiritual mentor for over 30 years was the first female Mahamandeleswara in the orders of Shankara.

These are exceptions. Since Hinduism is polytheistic we can find anything to suit our needs and positions. We can pick and choose. This is how it can compete so well in the global spiritual shopping market.

But, looking at Hindu culture at large, it's not exactly a women-friendly society. It's arguably doing worse than Christian communities..

[Still_Waters]

QUOTE 53 EXCERPT:

Originally Posted by Altair

Since Hinduism is polytheistic we can find anything to suit our needs and positions.
But, looking at Hindu culture at large, it's not exactly a women-friendly society. It's arguably doing worse than Christian communities..

First of all, Hinduism is NOT a polytheistic religion. It is understood that there is ONE underlying Reality ... Brahman.
Secondly, it is debatable whether Hinduism is more or less friendly than Christian communities but you may have a point there.

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

Secondly, it is debatable whether Hinduism is more or less friendly than Christian communities but you may have a point there.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_India

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Altair

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_India

EXCERPT: Several women have served in various senior official positions in the Indian government, including that of the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

NOTE:

As mentioned previously, the Hindu religion has the divine attributes personified EQUALLY in the form of male and female deities.

However, your point is well taken.

Pick any religion…..perfection will not be found….inner growth should be our pursuit…. There are a multitude of sources…including religion…that can aid us….but focus on the goal not the aids….

[Altair]

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

As mentioned previously, the Hindu religion has the divine attributes personified EQUALLY in the form of male and female deities.

''Among Hindus today, Vaishnavism is the predominant tradition with an estimated following of more than 600 million, or about 68 percent of the total Hindu population. Another almost 240 million, roughly 27 percent, adhere to Shaivism. The rest are followers of Shaktism and other Hindu traditions. Vaishnavism is also the third biggest religious tradition in the world today, after Roman Catholicism and Sunni Islam.''

https://www.globalsecurity.org/milit...gion-hindu.htm

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

My position is that there should be complete male-female equality at every level.

Should and could make for a fantasy world.

There can actually be equality, but people still think it's best to blindly follow the "rules", as if it was religion/society/others making them and their thoughts.

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Altair

https://www.globalsecurity.org/milit...gion-hindu.htm

The link you provided clearly shows that the Hindu Trinity (the first 3 pairs below) are paired male-and-female. I'm not sure what the point of your post was.

Deities
Brahma Saraswati
Shiva Parvati
Vishnu Lakshmi
Krishna
Rama
Kali
Santoshi Mata