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 The words 'Kama Sutra' conjure scenes of exotic decadence into the minds of
people in modern day times, seeming alluring and even almost illicit.
Translated into thousands of different texts, the Indian manual of sexual
experience addresses not only the practicalities of sexuality, but also the
courtesies, manner of living and how to successfully relate with a sexual
partner in a deeply meaningful manner.
The text also records curious
niceties that were practiced in ancient India that are a little antiquated to be
relevant to modern relationships, but are points of interesting conversation
none the less.
The History of the Erotic Texts
The Kama Sutra is
the most famous of a collection of Indian erotic texts, and is probably not
original; the author Vatsyayana Mallanaga probably collected and reworked a
range of existing Sanskrit manuals to write his work.
Written between
100-500 AD, the society which created these works was one of sensual awareness
and respect for the sacredness of sexual relations, while recognising some
practices as holy and others as forbidden.
Encompassing sixty-four arts,
the manual was designed to be utilised by the upper castes of Indian societies.
Young women were taught the Kama Sutra as a part of their education before
marriage, and men were expected to live by the same lifestyle laws. Other texts
written in a similar context include Ratirahasya a.k.a. Kokashastra by Kokkoka
(translated into English by S. C. Upadhyaya-1965); Ratiratnapradipika by
Devaraja (translated into English by Rangaswami Iyengar-1923) and Ratisastra by
Nagarjuna (translated into English by A. C. Ghose-1904).
The Ideals of
the Kama Sutra
The man who is ingenious and wise, who knows the
intentions of others and also the proper time and place for doing everything,
can gain over, very easily, even a woman who is very hard to be
obtained
Kama Sutra Part I
Within the text there are some
interesting concepts, which are all too relevant to romance today. The
recognition of the differences between women and how to court these different
women in a manner that suits her are examples of this.
Despite the
manual-like appearance of the text and the almost cold-blooded scientific
descriptions within it, the work certainly offers clear, matter-of-fact
assistance in romance.
The Kama Sutra also recognises that 'kama'(love
and sexual gratification) is only one part of life; the other two parts being
'dharma' (to be religious and/or a good member of society) and 'Artha' (to
acquire and manage wealth in an appropriate manner).
These ideas are
outdated, but the notion of the three being entwined suggests that love should
pervade the entire lifestyle, and that romance can be a primary factor in an
individual's life rather than a secondary one.
The Kama Sutra in Modern
Society
Although some of the ideas and concepts recorded in the Kama
Sutra may be relevant only to the Indian society it was written for, there are
many pieces of valuable information that can be gleaned from the text.
Psychologists who have studied the book note that it has very positive
messages in terms of creating an equal and loving relationship, using sex as a
means to demonstrate love.
The forms of lovemaking, including kissing
and caressing as well as the sexual positions, are designed to enhance the
physical connection between men and women and to offer a more creative and
vibrant aspect to sexual relations.
The Kama Sutra also provides
practical information about courtship and reading a woman's body language,
although some of this information is antiquated. It discusses lover's quarrels,
responses to certain attractions and how to use these reactions to the advantage
of the man wooing the woman.
The Story of the Kama Sutra
Knowing
love, I will allow all things to come and go. To be as supple as the wind, and
take everything that comes with great courage. Life is right in any case. My
heart is as open as the sky.
From the movie 'Kama Sutra'
Perhaps
the most exciting thing about the Kama Sutra is the amazing idea of a society
structured with a high tolerance of sexual behaviour and an awareness of the
sacredness of sex.
The Kama Sutra tells an intriguing story about this
old, exotic society, its courtesies and practices. The tales of how to behave at
garden parties, drinking parties and festivals are delightful to any interested
in ancient societies, conjuring images in the mind of peacocks roaming through
bright gardens and men and women reclining in rose arbours with teas and exotic
delicacies.
The other interesting points in the text include
descriptions on how to deal with courtesans, the forms of marriage and the women
of the royal harem.
Article
Source: http://www.articlepostings.com
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Photograph by Pedro Simão
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