The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana / Translated From the Sanscrit in Seven Parts With Preface, Introduction and Concluding Remarks

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27827

Title

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana / Translated From the Sanscrit in Seven Parts With Preface, Introduction and Concluding Remarks

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive translation of the ancient Sanskrit treatise on love and domestic life, this work offers a realistic, matter-of-fact analysis of human relationships. It details the conduct of wives, the management of households, and the classification of feminine beauty, presenting erotic literature as a serious science essential for social harmony and personal mastery.

Summary up to 500 words

Vatsyayana's *Kama Sutra*, a seminal Sanskrit treatise on love and human relationships, frames the pursuit of pleasure not as mere indulgence but as a disciplined science balancing Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), and Kama (pleasure). The work is structured into seven parts and thirty-six chapters, offering a systematic classification of men and women into distinct types, such as the 'Padmini' or Lotus woman. This idealized figure is described through specific physical attributes, behaviors, and the precise times she is most susceptible to passion. The text extends beyond erotic theory to provide extensive instructions on domestic management, detailing the duties of a virtuous wife in gardening, cooking, and financial regulation. It addresses the complex dynamics of polygamous households, offering strategic advice for elder and younger wives to maintain harmony and manage a husband's affections. Furthermore, the book explores various forms of marriage, the roles of courtesans, and the use of aphrodisiacs and mechanical aids. Written with a tone of detached observation akin to natural history, the text aims to enlighten readers on intimate matters often ignored by the masses. Vatsyayana argues that knowledge of these subjects prevents social ruin and fosters a deeper understanding of human nature. The work distinguishes itself from other contemporary erotic literature by treating its subject matter in a plain, matter-of-fact manner, classifying human behaviors similarly to how Buffon classified the animal world. By revealing facts intimately connected to private, domestic, and social life, the text seeks to empower individuals to avoid the pitfalls of ignorance that have historically wrecked many lives.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Psychology
• Romance