Disclaimer: The following analogy is symbolic and does not imply fixed gender roles or hierarchies. It reflects my individual perception and is not intended as a universal perspective.
Balance & Choice
Every thought is an assumption. Each person has their own way of finding balance and contentment. The feminine energy, like waters, have a natural flow—free, vibrant and boundless. This flow can only be held in appropriate containers, ones that respect and complement their essence. The masculine energy, like containers, provide structure and support, holding the waters not to restrict their flow but to create something meaningful—a utility that fosters creation, nurtures goodness and addresses destruction.
Water may wish to be held by containers of their choice, containers with properties that align with their nature – its rightful choice. Similarly, containers may wish to hold water that resonates with them, water with qualities they value and can nurture – its, too, rightful choice.
In this delicate interplay, the essence of balance lies—not in dominance or control, but in mutual respect and understanding. Together, water and container create a unity that sustains life, inspires growth and fosters harmony.
Relationships & Mutual Respect
Women may have certain experiences that could prevent them from appreciating men who approach them for romantic relationships. Men should respect this and refrain from making advances, allowing women to take the lead when they are ready.
Women are both socially and legally granted the autonomy to decide when to enter, remain in, leave, or return to a relationship on their own terms.
A woman who nurtures feelings for a man respects him exclusively. To her, any other man is merely another element of nature, and she may feel comfortable when other men regard her in the same way. Developing strong feelings for a woman without her consent can lead to emotional distress and potential legal consequences.
Men, in consciousness, choose not to form deep emotional attachments to a woman unless she has clearly expressed her terms, which they have mutually agreed upon. Men shall prioritise their families and welcome a woman who wishes to be part of their family rather than choosing a woman who seeks to isolate them due to her personal or societal experiences.
Both women and men are responsible for ensuring their personal safety and emotional well-being. The life of Pitamaha Bhishma (Mahabharata) teaches us that a man, like any individual, has the right to refuse a woman’s proposal if it does not align with his feelings, values, or life goals. Men shall also stay away from people exhibiting deceitful behaviors, including manipulative, monitoring, or controlling actions. Relationships should be based on mutual consent and emotional compatibility, and it is essential to prioritize honesty and respect in such situations. If a man is not interested, it is better to decline the proposal kindly and clearly, rather than accept it out of obligation or pressure. This approach ensures that both parties have the opportunity to find a partnership that genuinely works for them.
Dismantling Stereotypes - The Journey of Society
Dismantling stereotypes is a journey that shapes the prevailing norms of any given age; what seems acceptable in this age will continue to evolve in the future. As an endless journey, society will keep challenging norms that prevent us from fostering harmony. This ongoing process encourages us to grow, learn, and adapt—both as individuals and as a society—creating spaces that promote harmony.
