The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. Translated From the Sanscrit in Seven Parts With Preface, Introduction and Concluding RemarksBy Vatsyayana

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Length8h 12m

About this audiobook

The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana is not merely a manual of erotic technique, but a sophisticated classical treatise on kama—desire, pleasure, courtship, marriage, social conduct, and aesthetic refinement—within the broader Indian framework of dharma, artha, and kama. Written in the concise aphoristic style of the sutra tradition, it combines taxonomy, observation, and urbane counsel. Its literary context is that of Sanskrit didactic prose, addressed to a cultivated audience conversant with household life, social hierarchy, and the arts of civilized living. Vatsyayana, often identified as Mallanaga Vatsyayana, was likely a learned Brahmin intellectual writing in the early centuries of the Common Era, perhaps during the culturally fertile Gupta milieu. His work reveals familiarity with earlier authorities on love and social behavior, which he systematizes rather than invents. The book's composure suggests an author concerned with ordering human desire ethically and aesthetically, not celebrating indulgence without restraint. Readers interested in ancient Indian thought, gender, social history, or the literature of love will find this work indispensable. Approached critically and historically, it offers a remarkable window into classical urban culture and the disciplined study of pleasure as a legitimate dimension of human life. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Folklore Identity Historical Romance Healing

Audiobook details

Rating★★★ 3.4 (180)

Includes Goodreads

GenreSelf-Help

Length8 hrs 12 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateNov 20, 2023

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

2Introduction

3Synopsis

4Historical Context

5Author Biography

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6PREFACE.

7INTRODUCTION.

8PART I. THE VATSYAYANA SUTRA. INTRODUCTORY PREFACE.

9SALUTATION TO DHARMA, ARTHA AND KAMA.

10PART I.

11CHAPTER II.

12ON THE ACQUISITION OF DHARMA, ARTHA AND KAMA.

13CHAPTER III.

14ON THE ARTS AND SCIENCES TO BE STUDIED.

15CHAPTER IV.

16THE LIFE OF A CITIZEN.

17CHAPTER V.

18ABOUT THE KINDS OF WOMEN RESORTED TO BY THE CITIZENS, AND OF FRIENDS AND MESSENGERS.

19PART II.

20OF SEXUAL UNION.

21CHAPTER I.

22KINDS OF SEXUAL UNION ACCORDING TO

23CHAPTER II.

24OF THE EMBRACE.

25CHAPTER III.

26ON KISSING.

27CHAPTER IV.

28ON PRESSING, OR MARKING, OR SCRATCHING WITH THE NAILS.

29CHAPTER V.

30ON BITING, AND THE MEANS TO BE EMPLOYED WITH REGARD TO WOMEN OF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.

31CHAPTER VI.

32OF THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF LYING DOWN, AND VARIOUS KINDS OF CONGRESS.

33CHAPTER VII.

34OF THE VARIOUS MODES OF STRIKING, AND OF THE SOUNDS APPROPRIATE TO THEM.

35CHAPTER VIII.

36ABOUT WOMEN ACTING THE PART OF A MAN; AND OF THE WORK OF A MAN.

37CHAPTER IX.

38OF THE AUPARISHTAKA OR MOUTH CONGRESS.

39CHAPTER X.

40OF THE WAY HOW TO BEGIN AND HOW TO END THE CONGRESS. DIFFERENT KINDS OF CONGRESS AND LOVE QUARRELS.

41PART III.

42ABOUT THE ACQUISITION OF A WIFE.

43CHAPTER I.

44ON MARRIAGE.

45CHAPTER II.

46OF CREATING CONFIDENCE IN THE GIRL.

47CHAPTER III.

48ON COURTSHIP, AND THE MANIFESTATION OF THE FEELINGS BY OUTWARD SIGNS AND DEEDS.

49CHAPTER IV.

50ABOUT 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.