TABOO SUBJECT BUT HAS TO BE ADDRESSED HEAD-ON

[Gopal Ramesh]

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Mahodaya, Pranaam, Namaskaar - I am a 60-year-old male, born in a Tamil Iyengar family. (family children are settled) . I have for some time been thinking of changing my gender and experiencing living as a member of the opposite gender, taking advantage of medical advancements, which surely no one in their ''frame of mind would dare to venture into.

Q1 What do our shashtras say in the matter? Views are diametrically opposite - with some taking a favourable view while others say such surgeries do not have sanction of the shashtras, arguing that the whole body belongs to the Almighty and mortals have no right over their own body. But by this logic, fails to explain surgeries like heart or eye, etc, which also amount to altering our god given bodies.

Q: Post surgery, can I perform rituals like tarpana to my parents?

My desire is strong, but I am confused. Will be grateful if you could throw some light on this topic, which can no longer be ignored. If I don't do it perhaps someone else of my age who desires to do it in the future could not be ruled out. Kindly address this hot potato.

Dhanyawaadah - Gopal Ramesh

 

[renuka]

Mahodaya, Pranaam, Namaskaar - I am a 60-year-old male, born in a Tamil Iyengar family. (family children are settled) . I have for some time been thinking of changing my gender and experiencing living as a member of the opposite gender, taking advantage of medical advancements, which surely no one in their ''frame of mind would dare to venture into.

Q1 What do our shashtras say in the matter? Views are diametrically opposite - with some taking a favourable view while others say such surgeries do not have sanction of the shashtras, arguing that the whole body belongs to the Almighty and mortals have no right over their own body. But by this logic, fails to explain surgeries like heart or eye, etc, which also amount to altering our god given bodies.

Q: Post surgery, can I perform rituals like tarpana to my parents?

My desire is strong, but I am confused. Will be grateful if you could throw some light on this topic, which can no longer be ignored. If I don't do it perhaps someone else of my age who desires to do it in the future could not be ruled out. Kindly address this hot potato.

Dhanyawaadah - Gopal Ramesh

Dear Sir,
Changing gender isnt an easy thing from the medical point of view.
You would be practically living on hormones.
As a medic, I feel its not advisable.
Also you are age 60..its the stage of Vanaprastha in life where one's attachment to the physical body starts to wane.

Why get into another round of bodily attachment and derail your life spiritually?

This subject isnt a taboo..but you should analyze yourself and ask yourself why you are wanting to transition to the feminine gender.

Most of the while there is quite a lot of unresolved deep seated issues( medical reasons) and from a spiritual perspective, it could be some vasana( imprint) showing up or some external influence.

My advise to you as a doctor is to first see an endrocrinologist..get a full hormonal work up done.

Then see a psychologist and discuss with him/her your plans and lets see what can be addressed.

Coming to rituals like tarpanam..i am not an expert on this..but since you are a male..your chromosomes are XY and that cant change ever.
Also your gotra cant change either.
Technically a tarpanam shouldnt be an issue but that I leave it to the experts in Forum to advise.

Regards

 

[prasad1]

Dear Sir,
Changing gender isnt an easy thing from the medical point of view.
You would be practically living on hormones.
As a medic, I feel its not advisable.
Also you are age 60..its the stage of Vanaprastha in life where one's attachment to the physical body starts to wane.

Why get into another round of bodily attachment and derail your life spiritually?

This subject isnt a taboo..but you should analyze yourself and ask yourself why you are wanting to transition to the feminine gender.

Most of the while there is quite a lot of unresolved deep seated issues( medical reasons) and from a spiritual perspective, it could be some vasana( imprint) showing up or some external influence.

My advise to you as a doctor is to first see an endrocrinologist..get a full hormonal work up done.

Then see a psychologist and discuss with him/her your plans and lets see what can be addressed.

Coming to rituals like tarpanam..i am not an expert on this..but since you are a male..your chromosomes are XY and that cant change ever.
Also your gotra cant change either.
Technically a tarpanam shouldnt be an issue but that I leave it to the experts in Forum to advise.

Regards

Renukaji has given you a detailed version and I agree with her.

But You must have a compelling desire to go through such a procedure, and the social and financial burden. If you so desire all the power to you. Just be a Shikandi (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shikhandi).

So. there is scriptural acceptance.

 

[prasad1]

In Hindu Puranas Vishnu takes the form of Mohini.

"Mohini occupies a central position in Hinduism, embodying the essence of the divine feminine. Her presence profoundly influences a myriad of cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and societal norms, weaving her influence throughout the tapestry of Hindu tradition."

Who is Mohini in Hinduism? - Hindu Philosophy

Mohini, a captivating figure in Hindu mythology, embodies the intricate duality of beauty and power. Renowned for her enchanting charm, she occupies a pivotal

hindu-philosophy.com

So there is scriptural Validation.
But you are living in the real world. Among fellow human beings, who are all going to judge you. You have to live with the consequences, and complications.

All the best.

 

[GNANA SUNYAM]

@Gopal Ramesh:

Yours is not an isolated case and in recent times people like you, in whom this morbid desire, bizarre one, erupts, are increasing in number. Yours is a psychiatric issue without an atom of doubt.

Please visit NIMHANS in Bangalore, who have treated numerous cases like yours, who have immensely benefitted and are normal now.

Be your natural self. Grow in your natural self. Now that your family and children are settled, most probably you are a retired person. Look around you, help the poor and needy, visit orphanages and old age homes, serve them in whatever way possible. Your mind will be diverted from this morbid desire and it will be focused on a noble mission. Spend the rest of your life for others. There is no matching joy, happiness, peace like serving others, being the reason and cause for a smile on the face of others, for being a channel of blessings for others.

Regarding tarpanam, sandhyavandhanam and other rites and rituals, my humble advise is, strictly follow your conviction. Doing something mechanically, artificially is a criminal waste of time and energy and does not benefit one bit.

Do plenty of introspection and self-examination.

Break out of your shell, cocoon and small circle, break free from all conditioning and programming of your mind. Mingle with everyone. Love everyone. You will overcome and conquer this morbid desire. Be happy that you are a man. Keep saying to yourself, "I am fortunately born a man. I am happy for being a man. I shall be a man forever and fulfill my destiny, mission, purpose, plan as a man".

 

[renuka]

Dear Gopal Ji,
You had mentioned that you want to experience life as a female.
From the spiritual point of view this could be a slight imbalance of the ida pingala ratio in your body.

Try to learn pranayama and meditation and do learn some yoga poses from a yoga guru who might be able to help you regain your balance.

 

[prasad1]

Is the original poster even real?

 

[sravna]

The soul and mind are gender neutral. We actually live bothnthe gender types across lives. The best solution in your case is to get the feminine experience through mental qualities such as compassion, gentleness etc. You don't need a physical change. The authentic experience is through the mind.

 

[renuka]

The soul and mind are gender neutral. We actually live bothnthe gender types across lives. The best solution in your case is to get the feminine experience through mental qualities such as compassion, gentleness etc. You don't need a physical change. The authentic experience is through the mind.

Dear Sravna,
This is the best answer I ever read about transgender situations.
I would add your answer to my knowledge bank and pass it on to other doctors.
Thank you.

 

[sravna]

The soul and mind are gender neutral. We actually live bothnthe gender types across lives. The best solution in your case is to get the feminine experience through mental qualities such as compassion, gentleness etc. You don't need a physical change. The authentic experience is through the mind.

Dear Sravna,
This is the best answer I ever read about transgender situations.
I would add your answer to my knowledge bank and pass it on to other doctors.
Thank you.

Thank you Renuka