Religious patterns in India have developed over a long period of time and over a vast geographical area. Several strands converge, merge, seemingly disappear, and re-emerge to form a tapestry of diverse texture, color, and stark imagery. Suffering and sorrow stand along side of bliss and ecstasy. Pleasure is embraced as well as asceticism. The ups and downs of historical conditioning and cruel destinies are recognized as well as the need for compassion and non-violence. …showed first 75 words of 576 total…

…showed last 75 words of 576 total…rages on, two things seem clear: The roles of women will continue to change and women will eventually have a major influence on the way we interpret primary religious and cultural responses to crucial issues. However one interprets the proper role of women in religion, their roles and interpretations are increasingly influential. The future will acknowledge this present period as a crucial and pivotal point in the transformation of gender roles in religion and culture.