Marriage for HIV Patients: A Hindu Perspective

Abstract

Marriage in Balinese Hinduism is understood as a sacred yadnya that unites individuals in both social and spiritual dimensions. Traditionally, marriage fulfills the duties of gṛhastha āśrama, including the practice of dharma, continuation of lineage, and the cultivation of harmony. In contemporary contexts, however, individuals living with communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS face profound theological and ethical dilemmas regarding the obligation to marry. Using a theological-normative approach, this study examines Hindu scriptural perspectives related to marriage for people living with HIV/AIDS by analyzing key principles such as svadharma, ahiṁsā, and paropakāra. The findings indicate that while marriage is an important religious duty, it is not absolute when its implementation poses risks or potential suffering to others. Hindu scriptures emphasize that any act-even one considered dharmic-should be abandoned if it causes harm. Therefore, postponing or refraining from marriage may constitute a higher form of dharma for individuals with certain health conditions. This study contributes to Hindu theological discourse and offers ethical insights for navigating marriage decisions within modern health challenges.

Keywords: Hindu marriage, dharma, HIV/AIDS, ethics, ahiṁsā.