Tritiya Prakriti- Third Gender from Vedic to Modern World

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Tritiya-Prakriti is a collection of years of research into a topic seldom discussed or easily found within the Hindu/Vedic scriptural canon. In India, Vedas (Rig Veda 4000-3000 BC) of Hindus also mention of two different sexes of human being as Purusha (male) and Trakriti (female), but also recognizes existence of another sex state Tritiya Prakriti" or "Third gender. The third gender among people is not a very new and surprising phenomenon. Rather, it has always been present across various cultures and lifestyles all over the world and innumerable mentions of it have been found in many scriptures including the ancient religious ones like Hinduism, Jainism, etc. with respect to Indian culture. Under this topic, it shall be discussed as to how the "third gender" has been dealt with historically around the world across various civilizations and religions along with their importance to the current age. Throughout Vedic literature, the sex or gender of the human being is clearly divided into three separate categories according to prakriti or nature. These are: pums-prakriti or male, stri prakriti or female, and tritiya-prakriti or the third sex. These three genders are not determined by physical characteristics alone but rather by an assessment of the entire being that includes the gross (physical) body, the subtle (psychological) body, and a unique consideration based upon social interaction (procreative status). This book will be a valuable source of reference for anyone interested in Hindu/LGBTI studies whether they are newcomers to the field or seasoned veterans of Vedic knowledge. It offers a veritable treasure trove of fresh information and ideas that will likely challenge the reader to rediscover and rethink Hinduism's traditional understanding and treatment of gay, lesbian, and other gender-variant people within its culture.

Tritiya-Prakriti is a collection of years of research into a topic seldom discussed or easily found within the Hindu/Vedic scriptural canon. Based entirely upon authentic Sanskrit references and modern concurring facts, the book guides us through the original Hindu concept of a "third sex" (defined as homosexuals, transgender and the intersexed), how such people were constructively incorporated into ancient Indian society, and how foreign influences eventually eroded away that noble system. It discusses how this concept can be practically applied in today's modern world, the importance of all-inclusiveness in human society, and the spiritual principle of learning to transcend material designations altogether.

In India, Vedas (Rig Veda, 4000-3000 BC) of Hindus also mention of two different sexes of human being as 'Purusha' (male) and 'Prakriti' (female), but also recognizes existence of another sex state- Tritiya Prakriti' or 'Third gender'. Sanskrit language that originated in India (-4000 BC) mentions about existence of four gender states- Pung (masculine); Stree (feminine); Kliba (Neuter) and Ubhayalinga (common gender). English language also recognizes four different gender states asmasculine, feminine, neuter and common. In India, since the time of epic Ramayana (written 400-200 BC) and Mahabharata (3100 BC but written 400- 100 BC), presence of other gender or sex states other than 'male' and 'female' were recognized and were portrayed in different characters of the two epics.

The third gender among people is not a very new and surprising phenomenon. Rather, it has always been present across various cultures and lifestyles all over the world and innumerable mentions of it have been found in many scriptures including the ancient religious ones like Hinduism, Jainism, etc. with respect to Indian culture.