Kamasutra – Things you did not know

India’s Kamasutra is widely popular across the world for its analysis of human sexual behaviour and largely for its sexual positions.

 

Kamasutra scene on the wall of a Temple in Khajuraho. Madhya Pradesh, India

 

But interestingly, Kamasutra has lots more to offer than just sex.

Here’s taking a look at some of the interesting facts about the hugely popular Kamasutra:

• The text has been penned by Vatsyayana, a Vedic philosopher.
• It is the oldest book on human sexual behaviour.
• Contrary to the popular belief, Kamasutra is not a sex manual but a guide that inspires men and women to live a virtuous life that encompasses love for family and other aspects of life.
• Kamasutra is based on one of the goals of life as per Sanatana Dharma. Kama means desire and the other three goals of life are – Dharma (Ethics), Artha ( Work), Moksha (Liberation/ Salvation).
• Interestingly, only a very small part of the text covers practical advice on sexual intercourse and sex positions. Approximately only 20% of the text talks about sexual positions.
• The Kamasutra has 1250 verses, divided into36 chapters, which are further classified into seven parts.
• Kamasutra is a compilation of the works by Dattaka (first part), Suvarnanabha (second part), Ghotakamukha (third part), Gonardiya (fourth part), Gonikaputra (fifth part), Charayana (sixth part), and Kuchumara (seventh part). The preface of Kamasutra by Vatysyana mentions the above.
• What does the Kama Sutra say – Dharma (virtuous living) is better than Artha (material life). It warns people of the dangerous of life as people often tend to get blinded by love and desire.
• Dharma, Artha and Kama are meant for everyday life while Moksha will release men and women from the cycle of death and birth.
• Kamasutra has nothing to do with Tantric sex