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The True Meaning of Kama Sutra

What is Kama Sutra?
'Kama' = Pleasure or Desire
'Sutra' = Text
Combined, the meaning of kama sutra is defined as “teachings on pleasure.”
The Kama Sutra was written about 2,000 years ago by an Indian philosopher named Vatsyayana. The text is an attempt to create a comprehensive and inclusive guide to living a pleasure-filled life.

The 9 topics covered in the book are:

Philosophy & nature of love
Marriage & family life
Triggering sustained desire
Proper etiquette & courting
Surviving alone & acquiring a partner
Self-care & grooming
Practice in the arts
Feminine & masculine energy
Non-sexual pleasure-oriented facets

What is Included in the Book?

Dattaka — General principles

The book begins with an introduction to the Hindu philosophy of life, including the four goals of human existence. It offers advice on living a virtuous life and seeking knowledge.

Suvarnanabha — Amorous advances and sexual union

Part two explores a wide range of sexual practices, from simple embraces to more complex techniques.

Ghotakamukha — Acquiring a wife

Part three discusses the importance of marriage in Hindu culture, including the role of astrology in matchmaking and the benefits of marriage for both individuals and families.

Gonardiya — Duties and privileges of the wife

Part four outlines the traditional roles of wives in Hindu society, including household duties and caring for the family.

Gonikaputra — Friends and family

Part five explores the importance of friendship and family in Hindu culture, including how to build strong relationships and understand the emotions of others.

Charayana — Courtesans

Part six discusses the role of courtesans in Hindu society, including their use as sexual partners and companions. It also offers advice on building and maintaining relationships, as well as achieving wealth and success.

Kuchumara — Occult practices

The book concludes with a discussion of sexual folklore and practices, including personal hygiene, the use of fragrances, and traditional remedies for sexual health issues.

Kama Sutra in Purusharthas
The Vedas talk about the importance of the four goals of life (Purusharthas). The Kama Sutra falls under the goal of Kama.

Step 3 Dharma Kama Following Sanatan principles ie. truthfulness, compassion, cleanliness, self-control, courage, patience, application of intelligence, search for knowledge, and detachment from anger. Artha Creating value for yourself and your loved ones eg. freedom, good relationships, cultivating knowledge, a clean & beautiful natural environment, good air & water, healthy food & whatever defines a higher quality of life. Making daily life more pleasurable by nurturing social interactions, relationships, and the environment. Step 1 Step 2 Moksha

If grounded in Dharma and Artha, Kama is seen not just as acceptable, but as a fruitful pursuit of the divine.

Sexual Energy Creates Life

Sexual energy was considered to be the highest form of energy because of its power to LITERALLY create life.

It was believed that satisfaction was at the root of peace

Mutually pleasurable intimacy -> Stable relationship -> Stable societies -> Stable kingdoms

Pleasure for Men vs Women

Men and women have very different forms of pleasure. A woman’s pleasure is like water; It starts at the top and works its way downwards. It takes long to come to a boil and long to cool down again. Man’s pleasure is like fire; It starts at the bottom and works its way upwards. It’s quick to ignite and quick to put out.

Same-Sex Relationships

The text is not prescriptive about who is giving the pleasure. Therefore it can apply to all types of relationships.

The Kama Sutra discusses same-sex relationships through the notion of the tritiya prakriti, which means "third sexuality" or "third nature".

Why so many positions?

One chapter in the Kama Sutra explores the physical stimulation of desire. It details 64 different types of sexual acts and positions. These positions help foster better compatibility with your partner. It's not just about the size of the boat. It's about the motion of the ocean.

Some Do' s and Dont's from the Kama Sutra:

Exercise will make you feel desirable and increase blood flow
Eating a meal before will divert energy to your digestive system
You may have up to two glasses of red wine (any more will slow you down)
Never use force on your partner. Pleasure is achieved between 2 consenting adults.

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