Self-Help

Literary Classics

Kama Sutra

IllustratedBy Vatsyayana, Richard Francis Burton

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Length6h 39m

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The 'Kama Sutra,' explored through the collaborative efforts of Vatsyayana, originally its compiler, and Sir Richard Francis Burton, its famed translator, extends beyond a mere manual of desire to embody a detailed illustration of the social customs and the intimate facet of human relationships in classical India. This anthology transcends the basic text of pleasure, incorporating the varied literary styles of prose and poetry, and juxtaposing ancient philosophies with colonial perspectives. Particularly noteworthy are Burton's commentaries, which provide a Victorian lens on the ancient texts, inviting readers into a temporal dialogue between epochs and cultures. The breadth of authorial backgrounds in this collection — from Vatsyayana's deep-rooted connection to Sanskrit scholarship, to Burton's eclectic experience as an explorer and translator — enriches the tapestry of narratives presented. Together, these figures bridge the gap between Eastern and Western thought, offering insights not only into sexual norms but also into the intricate dynamics of partnership and respect that transcend geographical and temporal boundaries. This edition mirrors historical and cultural dialogues, emphasizing shifts and continuities in human narratives of desire and societal norms. Readers of the 'Kama Sutra' are afforded a unique opportunity to survey a spectrum of thematic expositions from authority and obedience to joy and fulfillment. This anthology serves not merely as academic or erotic reading but as a profound engagement with the universality of human relationships, viewed through a prism of cultural convergence. Diverse, educational, and thought-provoking, this book is a must-read for those interested in the complexities of human connection and the historical context that shapes our interpretation of it.

Identity Psychological Healing

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 3.7 (13.4K)

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GenreSelf-Help, Literary Classics

Length6 hrs 39 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateJan 4, 2022

LanguageEnglish

1The Complete Works of Mark Twain: Novels, Short Stories, Memoirs, Travel Books & More (Illustrated)

2Kama Sutra (Illustrated Edition)

3Preface

4Introduction

5Part I. The Vatsyayana Sutra. Introductory Preface. Salutation to Dharma, Artha and Kama

Show all chapters

6Chapter II. On the Acquisition of Dharma, Artha and Kama

7Chapter III. On the Arts and Sciences to Be Studied

8Chapter IV. The Life of a Citizen

9Chapter V. About the Kinds of Women Resorted to by the Citizens, and of Friends and Messengers

10Part II. Of Sexual Union

11Chapter I. Kinds of Sexual Union According To

12Chapter II. Of the Embrace

13Chapter III. On Kissing

14Chapter IV. On Pressing, or Marking, or Scratching With the Nails

15Chapter V. On Biting, and the Means to Be Employed With Regard to Women of Different Countries

16Chapter VI. Of the Different Ways of Lying Down, and Various Kinds of Congress

17Chapter VII. Of the Various Modes of Striking, and of the Sounds Appropriate to Them

18Chapter VIII. About Women Acting the Part of a Man; And of the Work of a Man

19Chapter IX. Of the Auparishtaka19b or Mouth Congress.

20Chapter X. Of the Way How to Begin and How to End the Congress. Different Kinds of Congress and Love Quarrels

21Part III. About the Acquisition of a Wife

22Chapter I. On Marriage

23Chapter II. Of Creating Confidence in the Girl

24Chapter III. On Courtship, and the Manifestation of the Feelings by Outward Signs and Deeds

25Chapter IV. About Things to Be Done Only by the Man, and the Acquisition of the Girl Thereby. Also What Is to Be Done by a Girl to Gain Over a Man, and Subject Him to Her

26Chapter V. On Certain Forms of Marriage

27Part IV. About a Wife

28Chapter I. On the Manner of Living of a Virtuous Woman, and of Her Behaviour During the Absence of Her Husband

29Chapter II. On the Conduct of the Elder Wife Towards the Other Wives of Her Husband, and on That of a Younger Wife Towards the Elder Ones. Also on the Conduct of a Virgin Widow Re-Married; Of a Wife Disliked by Her Husband; Of the Women in the King's Harem; And Lastly on the Conduct of a Husband Towards Many Wives

30Part V. About the Wives of Other Men

31Chapter I. Of the Characteristics of Men and Women.—the Reasons Why Women Reject the Addresses of Men.—about Men Who Have Success With Women, and About Women Who Are Easily Gained Over

32Chapter II. About Making Acquaintance With the Woman, and of the Efforts to Gain Her Over

33Chapter III. Examination of the State of a Woman's Mind

34Chapter IV. About the Business of a Go-Between

35Chapter V. About the Love of Persons in Authority for the Wives of Other Men

36Chapter VI. About the Women of the Royal Harem; And of the Keeping of One's Own Wife

37Part VI. About Courtesans

38Introductory Remarks

39Chapter I. Of the Causes of a Courtesan Resorting to Men; Of the Means of Attaching to Herself the Man Desired; And of the Kind of Man That It Is Desirable to Be Acquainted With

40Chapter II. Of Living Like a Wife

41Chapter III. Of the Means of Getting Money. Of the Signs of the Change of a Lover's Feelings, and of the Way to Get Rid of Him

42Chapter IV. About Re-Union With a Former Lover

43Chapter V. Of Different Kinds of Gain

44Chapter VI. Of Gains and Losses; Attendant Gains and Losses; And Doubts; As Also of the Different Kinds of Courtesans

45Part VII. About the Means of Attracting Others to Yourself

46Chapter I. On Personal Adornment; On Subjugating the Hearts of Others; And on Tonic Medicines

47Chapter II. Of the Ways of Exciting Desire, and Miscellaneous Experiments, and Recipes

48Concluding Remarks