Sadhguru on Marriage and Divorce: Why More Young People Are Questioning Commitment Today

For generations, marriage was considered a natural milestone of adulthood. Most people grew up assuming they would eventually get married, often without questioning why. Today, however, that narrative is changing. More young adults are delaying marriage, choosing not to marry at all, or separating after tying the knot.

Sadhguru, yogi and founder of the Isha Foundation, recently shared his thoughts on this shift, offering a deeper perspective on the purpose of marriage and the reasons behind growing skepticism around it.

Marriage Was Created for Stability, Not Obligation:

According to Sadhguru, marriage was never meant to be a compulsory social rule. Instead, it emerged as a practical system that helped create a stable environment for raising children.

He explains that unlike animals, human beings need long-term care, emotional support and consistency during their formative years.

"You could leave a puppy on the street – as long as it gets food, it grows up into a good dog. But not so with human beings. They need not just physical support but a variety of supports, and above all, a stable situation", he says.

In his view, marriage evolved to provide that stability. However, he also stresses that choosing not to have children or remain unmarried is a personal choice and not a failure in any sense.

Why Young People Are Questioning Marriage Today:

Sadhguru believes that the years between adolescence and adulthood are often filled with intense emotional and hormonal changes, which can influence how people view institutions like marriage.

"When you were three-four years of age, you were 100% for marriage – your parents' marriage. When you become 45, 50, again you are 100% for marriage. Between 18 and 35, you are questioning the whole institution."

According to him, questioning marriage during this phase is natural, but it does not necessarily mean the institution itself has lost relevance.

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Divorce Shouldn't Be Planned Alongside Marriage:

Speaking about divorce, Sadhguru argues that marriage and divorce should not be viewed as a package deal from the beginning.

According to Sadhguru, "No one thought of divorce in India until recently".

He further adds, "If it so happens something went entirely wrong between two people, there is no way to fix it, and they have to separate; it is unfortunate, but it happens. But you do not have to plan it at the time of the wedding!"

His point is that while separation may sometimes become necessary, relationships should not start with an expectation of failure.

The Secret to a Lasting Relationship:

Perhaps Sadhguru's most practical advice is about choosing a life partner. Instead of searching endlessly for the "perfect" person, he believes people should focus on compatibility, responsibility and personal integrity.

"One reason why marriage can be tumultuous is that you have to share so many things in this relationship. The issue is neither marriage nor is it about a man and a woman, husband and wife. In any situation where you are forced to share a lot with other people, you will face similar problems."

For him, successful relationships are not built on perfection. They are built on respect, honesty, care and a willingness to take responsibility for another person.

A Reminder Worth Reflecting On:

At a time when conversations around marriage are becoming increasingly complex, Sadhguru's message is simple: stop chasing an ideal partner and focus on becoming the kind of person who can build a healthy relationship. Marriage, according to him, is not about finding perfection. It is about creating stability, taking responsibility and growing together through life's challenges.