Thread by @shrikanth_krish

There is a tendency to trivialize and also "socialize" marriage here by conflating it with general ethical principles like "truth, love, non violence"

Marriage is about defining mutual obligations. Not social obligations

punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/civic/tyi…

The ethical principles that this couple is harping on have nothing to do with marriage

Sure...it's good to speak the truth...good to abstain from violence. But these principles do not define the relationship with your spouse. They are applicable to any social interaction

The Hindu marriage ceremony in contrast defines mutual obligations and the contours of the relationship that constitutes marriage

Eg - A common Sanskrit statement that features in Hindu ceremonies is this -

dharme cha, arthe cha kaame cha imam na ati charaami

Here you are taking the vow to consider your spouse as a Sahayogi and to do the right thing by her, as your pursue the three goals of life - Dharma, Artha, Kama.

That is very specific. Not every Tom, Dick and Harry on the street is your sahayogi in this respect.

It is precisely this focus on defining mutual obligations that makes the so-called "marriage ritual" relevant.

It is not generic. Not about parroting vague ethical principles

It's about becoming cognizant of mutual responsibilities to one another for the rest of life's journey