KAMASHASTRA
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KAMASHASTRA

INTRODUCTION

The supreme soul bestows his endless bounty on all creation without discrimination. However, human beings enjoy a privileged position because God has endowed them with intelligence. A human mind can think of its interests and is inclined to act accordingly. The Supreme soul, the father of all creatures, wishes well irrespective of the quality of the creature. Hence, time and again, he takes incarnations as animals, birds, aquatic animals and human being in order to do away with the crises that face humanity. At the same time, the incarnation created by God teaches valuable lessons through his qualities. Often, the sage and ascetics act as a means of carrying out the work for the benefit of all.

MAHARSHI VATSAYAN:EXPONENT OF KAMASUTRA

Well before the exposition of Kamasutra, a certain sage called Babhravpanchal had compiled a treatise, the Kama Shastra.  It is a large collection but unavailable at this time. It is an extensive text and, later scholars divided it into different volumes. Maharshi Vatsayan had actually produced an abridged version of  the Kama Shastra. There are disputes regarding the time period of Vatsayan. But  experts fix the time of Vatsyayan when Patana was famous as Pataliputra.

Evidently, the commentator Vatsyayan of NyayaDarshan and exponent Vatsyayan of Kamasutra, are the same person. Some servants even assert that Vastsayan was the third name of Vishnugupt – the other two being Chanakya and Kautilya. Yashodhar, the commentator of Kamasutra has identified Vatsayan as Mallanaga. Hence, his original name appeared to be Malanaga, with a tile of Vatsyayan.

OBJECTS OF HUMAN CREATION

Like all creatures, humans have also received certain rights and duties for a successful existence. Objects of comforts have also been provided. For a human being there are four objects for his existence. These are Dharma (religion), Arth (luxuries), Kama (carnal pleasures) and Moksha (salvation). Most people neither crave nor strive for all four. The first three – religion, luxuries and carnal pleasures are more important for them. Maharishi Vatsayana regards these three objects as the basic reason of existence. Everybody strives to achieve one or more of these objects with all his might. Shastras or disciplines help a person to achieve the object he deserves.

NECESSITY OF KAMA SHASTRA

Despite enthusiasm, determination, faith and capacity, human beings fail to achieve their objectives for want of a competent guide. Kama or carnal pleasure is one of the main objects of the human existence. But without well-laid discourse and discipline, no one can achieve pleasure. Like other disciplines, Kama Shastra also contains certain norms and disciplined actions necessary to achieve one's goal.

NECESSITY OF READING KAMASHASTRA

In addition to religion and earnings,  Kama or Carnal pleasures are the third goal of human life. Without proper knowledge of Kama, one cannot experience  other physical comforts. A married person is naturally inclined toward carnal pleasures. In other words, carnal pleasures constitute the basic reason for marriage.

A man and a woman agree to tie a nuptial knot only to experience carnal pleasures. Marriage simply reflects a social nod for their union. But if two people entering marriage lack the basic knowledge about it, they will not be able to achieve the basic goal of marriage. It is here that the Kama Shastra comes in the picture. Evidence shows that Kama or Carnal union of male and female forces had not been taken for granted even in ancient times. Vedas, Puranas and other literature describe the authenticity, necessity and relevance of the Kama Shastra.

Ancient sages composed the Kama Shastra on the basis of the Vedas. Maharshi Nandikeshwar was the first narrator of the Kama Shastra and divided it into various chapters. Apart from these, great sages like Dattakacharya, Charayana, Suvarn-nama Ghotakmukh, Gonardiya, Gonikaputra and Kuchumar also contributed their knowledge into  the evolution and refinement of Kama Shastra. Sage Vatsayan gave the finishing touch to the Kama Shastra.

NECESSITY OF KAMASUTRA IN EDUCATION

The Gurukula system of education was prevalent in ancient India. Abidance to celibacy was a must for the inmates of Gurukul. Kamasutra was taught to the celibate disciples during their stay at the  Gurukul. The disciples could enter married life only when he had a thorough knowledge of Kamasutra. Of course, the study of Kamasutra followed the study of the Vedas, Vedangas and other scriptures had been completed. Thus, by the time, the disciples left the Gurukul, they were experts in the Vedas and clever in social conduct. Their married life was expected to be free of problems and conflicts.
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