The Kama Sutra is an ancient text, originally written in Sanskrit, that has been closely associated with the sexual aspects of Tantra, rightly or wrongly. There are thirty-six chapters in the book, organized into seven parts.
The introductory section includes a description of the book’s content, an explanation of the three priorities and goals of life, how to acquire knowledge, and proper conduct for a “well-bred citizen.” There are also notes on “go-betweens” who help the lover carry out her tasks.
The second section, On Sexual Union, is the part of the book that most people are curious about. There are descriptions about the stimulation of desire and the different types of hugs, caresses and kisses. There are instructions for the use of nails and teeth in sexual activities. Moaning and the position of the female body during intercourse are also an issue. Foreplay, behavior during and after intercourse are discussed. Sixty-four different sexual acts are described in detail.
The third section deals with the acquisition of a wife. The different types of marriage are discussed. Explanations are given on how to relax, obtain, manage and marry a woman. The next fourth section deals with what to do with that wife when you have her. This includes proper treatment and etiquette.
The fifth section deals with other people’s wives. The behavior of both genders is addressed. Etiquette regarding forums and relationships is discussed in detail. The next section is dedicated to courtesans, more specifically how to choose, pay and retain the sex worker of her choice. The last section describes how to attract others through physical attractiveness and strong sexual confidence.
The text emphasizes what are known as the purusharthas, or the four main goals of life. The first is dharma, or the act of living virtuously. The second, Artha, deals with material prosperity. Kama is related to erotic and aesthetic pleasures. Moksha is liberation through liberation from the cycle of life and death. The first three goals can be achieved in everyday life and are listed in order of importance (yes, sex is the least important).
The Kama Sutra is not, by definition, a tantric text, since it does not analyze the sacred rites that must accompany these acts. But many who follow tantra use the book as a guide or starting point from which they can build their tantric rituals. The sexuality included in this book is intended to correspond to that notion of Kama.
Although religious in nature, the Kama Sutra has been translated into virtually every language in the world. Modified versions of the book exist that only include the sexual aspects, often including detailed illustrations or images to help the reader achieve what is described. This type of textual editing removes the general point of the book, which is that sexuality, while one of life’s goals, is not the most important goal and must be handled with the goals that precede it in mind.