When you think of the Kama Sutra , what comes to mind? No need to answer. We know perfectly well that, for the vast majority of people, it's merely a book that reveals every conceivable sexual position imaginable, from the simplest to the most acrobatic. But (surprise!), the Kama Sutra is much more than that.
Going beyond what Western culture advocates, we're talking about something that encompasses much more than primitive pornography or overly sophisticated positions. The Kama Sutra is a book that discusses love as a whole, interpreting it as something sacred, tantric, and intimately linked to the spirit and connection with the other. Therefore, in this kind of sex bible, positions constitute only 20% of its true essence.
So what is the Kama Sutra, anyway?
Starting from the beginning – the etymological origin of the term – the word “kama” means desire (integrating aesthetic and sensual desires), representing one of the four main goals of life (abundance or pleasure of the senses); and, in turn, the word “sutra” means thread/line, referring to manual.
The Kama Sutra is an ancient Hindu book, originally written by a philosopher, who asserted that sexual wisdom was a form of meditation and contemplation of divinity. Over time, easier-to-understand and more concise versions emerged, detailing the various forms and true meaning of human sexual pleasure.
Since the concept stems from Indian culture, which is often considered more spiritual than others, it ends up being associated with the soul. Therefore, the Kama Sutra ends up being more than a purely sexual manual, as it teaches us how to lead a more fulfilling and satisfying human life.
Love, family, pleasure, and desire. These are the four pillars that make up the Nature of this book, which reveals the importance of all other aspects of life, beyond sex.
Sex Positions – and Beyond
Leafing through the Kama Sutra doesn't mean you'll just flip through a book brimming with risky sexual positions and impossible juggling. Everyday life is also depicted in many versions of this book, even though sexuality remains its quintessential foundation. This is because sex is understood here as the basis of life, the origin of everything. Essentially, it is the "core of existence."
The premise
Because the Kama Sutra is much more than a list of complex physical challenges to be put into practice in the bedroom, its premise is based on the belief that reproduction is necessary for the survival of individuals as a whole. For some, reproduction is understood as sex; for others, it is understood as a kind of art of pleasure.
In some older versions of the Kama Sutra philosophy, the involvement of a particular being in sexual activity is understood as a spiritual act, where there is a personal power that can be worked on and improved.
The pragmatic explanation of the various sexual expressions
Yes, this book explains the various sexual positions in a very practical and explicit way—with the help of enlightening images, in some cases. But sexual desire is interpreted here as an opportunity to unleash an individual's personal power. Libido is about you, not about the other person. And the goal is to achieve a more pleasurable life through this support.
Over time, the Kama Sutra , in its raw form, has been refined and adapted to modern life, leading some to mistakenly believe that acquiring it merely represents an instruction manual for spicing up a couple's sex life. In fact, it can be all of these things. But it can be even more, as Indian society speaks of sex and love in a much more complete and transcendent way.
This demystifies the merely physical nature of the Kama Sutra , as it is, in fact, a sacred text, which provides a guide on the art of living better, understanding the philosophy of love, what triggers sexual desire and the formula for achieving balance between feminine and masculine energies.
There are perfect books to enhance your knowledge on this topic and add a special touch to your relationship, even if you're single. Reading about sex can prepare you to welcome someone into your life in a much more open and healthy way. Want to dive into this sea of pleasure?
