An East West Journey To Spiritually Fulfilling And Sustainable Marriage

Marriage, the sacred institution that binds two souls together, is a journey filled with love, joy, and challenges. From the East to the West, couples embark on a unique exploration to find spiritual fulfillment and build a sustainable relationship.

In this article, we delve deep into the practices, wisdom, and traditions from both cultures that contribute to a spiritually fulfilling and sustainable marriage. By embracing the best of both worlds, couples can strengthen their bond and create a foundation that withstands the test of time.

For Seven Lifetimes: An East–West Journey to a Spiritually Fulfilling and Sustainable Marriage

by Vatsala Sperling(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages

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Finding Spiritual Fulfillment

In Eastern cultures, spirituality plays a significant role in marriages. From ancient practices rooted in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism to modern interpretations, couples find solace and guidance in their spiritual beliefs.

One of the key principles in Eastern spirituality is the concept of unity and interconnectedness. Couples are encouraged to see themselves as part of a larger whole, where their individual happiness is intertwined with the well-being of their partner and the surrounding community.

Meditation, a practice widely embraced in the East, helps couples cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and increase their level of awareness. By meditating together, couples create a sacred space where they can connect on a deeper level and communicate from a place of understanding.

On the other hand, Western cultures often focus on individual growth and personal development. However, some couples are discovering the importance of incorporating spiritual practices into their marriages. From Christianity to New Age philosophies, couples are finding solace in prayer, gratitude, and mindfulness.

Combining Eastern and Western spiritual practices can enhance a marriage, as couples learn to honor their individual paths while supporting each other's spiritual growth. By exploring various spiritual traditions together, couples can broaden their perspectives and create a shared spiritual foundation.

Building a Sustainable Marriage

Marriage is not just about the wedding ceremony or the honeymoon phase – it requires constant nurturing, commitment, and effort. Couples from both East and West have their own unique approach to building a sustainable marriage.

In Eastern cultures, the emphasis is often placed on harmony, respect, and duty. Traditional values are deeply rooted in familial expectations and cultural norms. Couples understand that marriage is more than just the union of two individuals – it is a merging of families and a continuation of ancestral lineage.

Arranged marriages, still common in many Eastern countries, may initially seem foreign to those from Western cultures. However, when approached with an open mind and understanding, the concept of arranged marriages can offer valuable lessons in enduring commitment and compromise.

Conversely, Western cultures prioritize individual autonomy, personal fulfillment, and independence. Couples often focus on equality, open communication, and shared decision-making. The idea of marrying for love is central, and the pursuit of personal happiness is encouraged.

By embracing the strengths of both Eastern and Western approaches to marriage, couples can create a harmonious balance between duty and personal growth. Building a sustainable marriage requires mutual respect, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt.

Overcoming Challenges

Every marriage faces its own set of challenges, regardless of cultural background. However, differences in upbringing, values, and cultural expectations can sometimes pose unique obstacles.

Interfaith marriages, for example, bring together individuals from different religious backgrounds. Navigating these differences requires open-mindedness, respect, and a willingness to learn from one another's beliefs.

Language and communication barriers can also cause friction in multicultural marriages. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations can occur, leading to conflicts. Couples must find ways to bridge the gaps and create effective communication channels.

By acknowledging and embracing the challenges inherent in an East-West marriage, couples can foster understanding and growth. Seeking guidance from relationship experts or participating in couples counseling can be beneficial in navigating these challenges and strengthening the marital bond.

Embracing the Journey

An East-West journey to a spiritually fulfilling and sustainable marriage is an adventure of a lifetime. By embracing the teachings and wisdom from both cultures, couples can create a union that thrives on love, respect, and understanding.

Remember, no two marriages are the same, and the path to spiritual fulfillment and sustainability may vary for each couple. What matters is the commitment to growth, the willingness to learn, and the dedication to creating a bond that withstands the tests of time.

So, whether you find yourself on an East-West journey or are simply looking to enrich your own marriage, explore the practices, traditions, and wisdom from both cultures. Take this sacred union as an opportunity to embark on a fulfilling and sustainable journey – for yourself and with your beloved partner.

For Seven Lifetimes: An East–West Journey to a Spiritually Fulfilling and Sustainable Marriage

by Vatsala Sperling(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages

FREE

How to cultivate a successful marriage based on shared values and spiritual growth

• With new chapters on their past 15 years together, stories of happy marriages modeled on the book, marital “obedience,” and the family way to world peace

• Reveals how a couple can become an engine for higher spiritual experiences

• Includes more than 60 letters written between the authors during their courtship and over 100 full-color photographs, including their traditional wedding in India

Defying the norms of her culture and tradition, a highly educated Tamil Brahmin woman decides to arrange her own marriage. Simultaneously, an American book publisher--disillusioned with love in the Western world--looks to India to find a wife by placing an ad in an Indian newspaper. A dialogue between two souls, two families, and two cultures, For Seven Lifetimes chronicles the year-long written courtship of this pair as they share their beliefs on sexuality, desire, gender roles, careers, parenthood, spirituality, and religion. By appreciating the similarities and differences in their worldviews, they initiate a union that reflects their ideals as a couple and the life they will create together.

Revealing the secrets to a fulfilling relationship based on shared values and spiritual growth, Vatsala and Ehud outline the principles needed to truly understand the roles of husband and wife and the questions to ask to recognize true spiritual compatibility. With new chapters on the 15 years since their wedding day, stories of happy marriages inspired by and modeled on the book, marital “obedience,” and how a couple can become an engine for higher spiritual experiences, this new edition shows how the successful marriage reflects the greater union between the masculine and the feminine.