We all talk about the Kamasutra with utter confidence; with the confidence that no one has read it. That’s why today I researched it, partly out of curiosity and also to find out why this ancient Hindu text is still consulted today.
The Kama Sutra was written by the sage Vatsyayana in the 3rd century AD, and although many see it as a book that will help them improve their sex lives with new and daring sexual positions, the reality is that this is not its only intention.
Its purpose when it was written was to serve as a guide for men to find a wife and also to please her so as not to lose her later. Before intimacy, the couple must fulfill four life goals or purushatkas:
- Dharma: being righteous and fulfilling the responsibilities set by society.
- Artha: knowing how to manage resources and material goods. This aspect is very important, as it ensured them the necessary means for a comfortable and sustainable life as a couple.
- Kama: men should enjoy sensual pleasures as well as emotional ones, such as knowing how to love, maintaining the love of their partner, and feeling sexual desire in a balanced way.
- Moksha: in due course, it’s necessary to free one’s spirit to unite with the divine.
This book has seven main chapters, which are:
1. Sadharana: a brief introduction to life as a couple. Here, the importance of lovers preparing themselves for a balanced relationship is discussed.
This chapter includes tidying up the home, the importance of reading, drawing, carpentry, and even how to understand and respect social rules.
2. Samprayogika: the second chapter is the most popular one, and guess why? Bingo! Yes, this is where you will find the different sexual positions. It also describes the types of love, the types of kisses, the types of slaps during sex and their correct sound, and the types of scratches and bites. This is important information and must be provided. It also discusses when intercourse should begin, last, and end.
3. Kanya samprayuktaka or finding a partner: in this chapter, the author explains how to gain the trust of your future wife, prior observation, the correct way to win her over, and also how to achieve the desired level of romantic relationship for both men and women.
4. Bharyadhikarika: this chapter is about the good customs of polygamous marriages; how wives should behave according to their age and husband. It also talks about cohabitation and how to resolve conflicts for a healthy and happy relationship.
5. Paradika: this chapter deals with the correct ways to approach other men’s wives and friendships between women. It provides a glimpse into ancient customs and culture.
6. Vaisika: this chapter is about courtesans and how to relate to them. In ancient India, courtesans were women educated in the arts of love and conversation.
7. Aupamishadika: finally, this chapter is about some tips on how to become more attractive to other people, how to dress and behave. It discusses tonics, potions, and recipes for achieving these goals.
An important note: it discusses techniques for enlarging the male genitals and achieving another person’s desire.
The Kama-Sutra shouldn’t be seen exclusively as a sexual guide, because it addresses many topics such as pleasure, seduction, and human connection. Over time, this book has evolved and adapted to different cultures and societies.
Its relevance and permanence are due to its visionary approach to explaining erotic love. It has been translated into several languages and reinterpreted, allowing it to become known throughout the world and impacting modern cultures and relationships.
Ideally, you should approach reading it without falling into stereotypes and taboos, the most common being the belief that the book promotes promiscuity and unbridled sexuality. When the truth is that the text focuses on connection and love between couples, as well as promoting respectful and conscious sexuality.
Another taboo is that the Kama-Sutra focuses on male pleasure and doesn’t take women’s pleasure into account. The reality is that the book is concerned with the pleasure and satisfaction of both genders.
In ancient India, female sexuality was governed by certain rules and restrictions, yet the text always emphasizes the importance and equality of female pleasure in sexual relations. Although it’s true that expressions of inequality and submission, and a bias toward male satisfaction, can be found, modern society seeks to promote sexual freedom and autonomy for women.
Beyond the role of men as providers and protectors of women, the importance of consent and equality in sexual relationships is also highlighted here.
The Kama-Sutra is renowned for its detailed descriptions of sexual positions, which are classified according to their difficulty and level of intimacy. A total of 64 positions are described, each with its own name and purpose. The positions represent the tradition and understanding of sexuality in ancient India.
Some of the most common categories include sitting, standing, and lying down positions. There are others that involve the use of objects such as chairs or pillows, and others that focus on the pleasure of the woman, others on the man, and some on mutual pleasure.
The best thing about this work is that, in addition to being a guide to love, it has been used to promote equality and consent in sexual relationships and the acceptance of sexual diversity to positively impact modern societies.
Whether as a guide or a reference, these positions can be personalized, adapted, and reinterpreted according to the needs and desires of each couple. Remember that the Kama-Sutra is not a rulebook, it’s a source of inspiration and exploration for you to enjoy with your partner #sinrecato.
Reminder: the work consists of 7 chapters, don’t just read chapter 2.
Traducción del español: Catalina Oviedo Brugés
