What is Kama Sutra? The Meaning, History and Positions to Try

In the age of the internet, one can look up practically anything to improve their love life (like how to have emotional intimacy, tantric sex or even cuddling positions) But when it comes to redefining intimacy and your sex life, sometimes it's best to go back to the basics, or rather, to an ancient practice that has existed since *practically* the dawn of time. What is Kama Sutra? Well, it's just that.

"The Kama Sutra encourages you to explore your desires while being aware of the impact of your choices on your partner and society," Ma Ananda Sarita, a tantra master and teacher says. "By looking at love as a whole, physical, emotional and spiritual, the Kama Sutra is a timeless guide to navigating human relationships,"

While some folks think it's just about sex, the Kama Sutra is a way to truly impact your relationship for the better. With the guidance and expertise of Sarita, explore the Kama Sutra meaning, Kama Sutra positions and understanding of this ancient text, below.

In this article:

• What is Kama Sutra?
• The Seven Parts of Kama Sutra Book
• General Principles of Love
• Kama Sutra for Beginners

What is Kama Sutra?

When was the Kama Sutra written? What is it, exactly? As we mentioned, the Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian text that is often misunderstood as just a sex manual. But according to Sarita, the Kama Sutra meaning is so much more than that.

"Written by Vātsyāyana, probably between the 3rd to 5th century CE, it's a full-on exploration of love, relationships and human desire," Sarita tells The Knot. "Vātsyāyana's work gets into the nitty gritty of intimacy and says love and sex are essential to a good life."

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Plus, Sarita adds, Kama Sutra challenges societal norms around love and sexuality, asking you to embrace your desires while building connections that enhance your well-being. So if you and your partner are looking to explore yourselves, learn more about one together and get super connected in the process, it could be just what you need.

The Seven Parts of Kama Sutra Book

To better understand the answer to "What is the Kama Sutra?" we've got to dive into the seven distinct parts of the Kama Sutra book.

General Principles of Love

"In this first section Vātsyāyana lays the groundwork for the rest of the text by defining kama, the pursuit of desire, as one of the three goals of human life, along with dharma (duty) and artha (prosperity)," Sarita explains.

In this piece, he talks about attraction, passion and the interplay between the heart and mind in forming connections. He says that understanding your own desires is key to a good life.

Getting a Wife (or any partner!)

The second section, which covers courtship and marriage, is a place where Vātsyāyana talks about the qualities to look for in a partner—physical beauty, virtue and compatibility. He gives advice on how to win a woman's affection, from gentle persuasion to more forceful approaches.

Remember: this was written a very long time ago! It's okay to view this across any gender or sexuality.

Duties and Rights of a Wife

Again, just a reminder that you can take what you want from the Kama Sutra. In the third section, the text shifts to the duties of a wife within the marriage. Times have changed (and for the better!) so this section may not fit everyone's beliefs, views or opinions.

"Vātsyāyana explains the role of a wife in the household, supporting her husband and the family," she says, "He talks about the rights of a wife and says mutual respect and partnership in marriage is essential."

Other Men's Wives

This section, adds Sarita, is about extramarital relationships, seduction and desire beyond marriage. He explores the dynamics of attraction and infidelity, the motivations and societal norms. While in many ways it may seem controversial, it's meant to be about the many ways love and desire can express itself, the human experience of connection.

Courtesans

In this section, Vātsyāyana talks about courtesans—or women who held significant social power back in this time period—and describes their skills in seduction and the relationships they had with their patrons. It gives a glimpse into the societal dynamics of love and desire and how courtesans could wield their agency in a patriarchal society.

The Art of Love

Section seven, which is perhaps the most famous part of the text, gives practical advice on lovemaking and Kama Sutra sex positions. It encourages the reader to approach love with curiosity and passion, as well as having an understanding that physical pleasure is linked to emotional and psychological fulfillment.

Use of Medicinal Herbs

"The last section is about the use of aphrodisiacs and medicinal herbs to increase desire and intimacy," Sarita says, "Vātsyāyana gives recipes and preparations, linking the natural world to the experience of love and attraction." This section sums up the holistic view of love in the Kama Sutra, physical health and emotional well-being are part of the pursuit of desire.

Kama Sutra for Beginners

Intrigued by the best Kama Sutra poses? What about how it can affect your love life over time? If so, consider trying out these five positions to get even closer to your partner.

The Rider (Ubhayabhadrasana)

The Rider gets the woman to take charge, straddling her partner and facing him. This position allows her to control the pace and depth of penetration and feel powerful and intimate. As she sways and moves, every look is a silent conversation of desire.

Afternoon Delight (Sambhoga)

Afternoon Delight or Sambhoga is about focusing on the joy of spontaneous intimacy. In this position, the woman lies on her back and her partner hovers above, it's a playful and relaxed connection.

According to Sarita, this setup invites gentle touch and whispered secrets, turning an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. The Kama Sutra says love thrives in simplicity and this position is an example of that, allowing partners to enjoy each other's closeness and rediscover each other.

The Slide

The Slide adds fluidity to traditional intimacy. As the man lies on top they slide together in a rhythm that requires trust and communication. The smooth movement heightens physical pleasure and deepens emotional connection.

The Curled Angel

The Curled Angel wraps the couple in warmth and tenderness. The woman lies on her side and invites her partner to cradle her from behind. This position feels safe and intimate, adds Sarita, and allows for gentle penetration and soft whispers.

The Reverse Cowgirl (Ubhayabhadrasana, modified)

"The Reverse Cowgirl flips the script, the woman is in charge as she faces away from her partner," Sarita explains. This position allows her to explore her pleasure and him to see things from a new angle. Plus, the unique angle is good for both partners, making their encounter exciting and adventurous.