Everything you want to know about the Kama Sutra

Ask anyone about the Kama Sutra and you often hear the same answer: complicated sex positions you practically need a yoga class for to execute. But the truth? The Kama Sutra is actually something quite different. It’s an ancient work that’s not just about sex, but about love, relationships and the art of living. Time to take a closer look at this classic and extract a few practical ideas from it.

Where does the Kama Sutra come from?

The Kama Sutra originates from India which, according to historians, was written somewhere between 400 BC and 300 AD by the philosopher Vātsyāyana, supposedly while living a celibate life in full meditation. The word “Kama” stands for desire, love and pleasure, and “Sutra” means thread or manual. So combined: a guide for love and sexual pleasure. It was never meant solely as a pornographic book, but rather as a philosophical work about how people could live in harmony with each other, including the art of intimacy.

How come we’re mostly familiar with the positions?

The fixation on the positions mostly stems from the western translations in the 19th and 20th century. Publishers knew that an exotic book filled with sex would sell much better than a philosophical work about love and the art of living. This is how the Kama Sutra came to be viewed as a kind of manual for acrobatic sex. Media and popular culture only amplified this view. The result: most people now think that it’s one big bible of sex positions.

Its influence today

The Kama Sutra does have significant impact in these modern times. It inspires couples to explore and diversify their sex life. Countless books, websites and apps offer modern interpretations of the classic positions. In the Netherlands we even have an annual Kama Sutra fair, where couples and singles can discover all about eroticism, sex toys and workshops. While the fair isn’t directly connected to the book itself, it does demonstrate how the name “Kama Sutra” has become synonym to sexual exploration.

Four Kama Sutra positions to try

Just because the work was originally based on a deeper philosophy, does not mean that using it to explore new positions can’t be a lot of fun. Below, the most popular positions. 

• The Lotus
  Your partner sits cross-legged, you sit on top, wrapping your legs around them. Intimate, close together and perfect for frequent eye contact and deep kissing.

• Spoon Deluxe
  You’re spooning, but the one in front can lift up one leg for deeper penetration. Comfortable and sensual, for long, slow sessions.

• The Arch
  You lie on your back, your partner kneels between your legs and slightly lifts your hips. This variation creates a different feeling and intensifies your contact.

• Standing Hug
  Perfect for in the shower or against a wall. Your partner lifts you up or you lean against each other. Raw, passionate and ideal for spontaneous moments.

What can you really do with it?

The Kama Sutra is not a list that you have to work through from start to finish, but it can be a source of inspiration. Try a position that challenges you to connect with your partner in a different way. And if you’re an avid reader, you can also delve into a modern translation of this book, available from various retailers online. Happy reading & lots of fun practicing!