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| Kamasutra |
Author: Vātsyāyana
When the book was written: time of writing is ambiguous but mostly between 400 BCE and 200 CE
What is the book about:
First, do not take it for granted or expect this book to improve your sex life or you will gain some great sexual knowledge after reading this book. I came across some people believing that Kamasutra is kind of Tantric or magical book through which they can discover sexual awakening, Kamasutra is not ‘spiritual’ book to go through, it's a just guide and piece of literature which will guide through contemporary sexual behaviors. Some part of it is still valid today as well.
Few chapters of the book are explicitly dedicated to actual intercourse but large part of the book is talking about what is acceptable in various cultures at that time. This ancient survey of customs and relationships, contemporary at the time the pieces were written (it is a compilation of works from various authors) offers unique insight, going beyond the popular conception of the book.
The book is an actual guide for Kama (one of the 4 pillars of Hinduism Dharm, Arth, Kama, Moksha). But I do not categorize this book as a religious book. Rather, it's a manual or compilation of thoughts about a human sexual behavior of the contemporary time.
Kama Sutra is probably a hard book for any woman to appreciate as it includes many sexist remarks. Also, the book deals with one chapter about prostitution and portrayed women as money seeking individuals. But isn't it true in this time also though many would not acknowledge. There are many countries where prostitution is legal. I am not advocating the book but book is always mirror of the society. This book includes all the type of relationships including group sex, homosexuality which are not accepted in current social settings in many parts of the world.
This book is an important historical piece of evidence and the insightful for the contemporary Indian society but it only shows the one side of it which is Vātsyāyana thought to be important as to document it.
Kamasutra and pornography:
The Kama Sutra is commonly mismarketed as a sex guide or as pornography. At least in India, it's a type of difficult to discuss or buy this book with parents. I could not bring this book to home from library instead preferred to read in the library itself.
Is Kamasutra a pornography? In my opinion, I would say clear No. it's like any other book which talks about sex and its pleasure. But it's definitely not a pornography. If you really read the original text I am sure you will realize it's not pornography at all.
Relevance the current time:
In current time I don't think it's wise to completely grasp and follow the Kama Sutra beyond its basic meaning and intention. Just appreciate the beauty of writing follow some part of the book which you think appropriate or talk to counselor.
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| Temple in Khajuraho |
Popular culture and books
In popular culture
Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love
Tales of the Kama Sutra: The Perfumed Garden
Tales of the Kama Sutra 2: Monsoon
Kamasutra 3D
Kamasutra Nights
Illustrated books: If someone is just looking for sexual positions and tips there are some illustrated versions are available.
Every book or Philosophy loses its usefulness with time. But science in it remains same. Kamasutra is one of those books. Having said we certainly cannot ignore its cultural significance in its own day and age. Rather than just debating about this book we should also appreciate the beauty of the culture which openly talks about sexual behavior which is still a taboo and not supposed to be appropriate in many cultures, today as well.
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