The Surprisingly Strict Practices of Hare Krishna

Even married Hare Krishna couples follow strict guidelines around intimacy. Sex is allowed, but only when both partners want to conceive a child. The idea is that physical intimacy should be meaningful, intentional, and connected to responsibility — not just casual pleasure.

While this rule feels extreme to outsiders, devotees see it as a way to build strong, stable families. It turns the relationship into a partnership focused on purpose, communication, and shared values. Many say it brings a different kind of closeness that’s less about impulse and more about long-term harmony.