The Kama Sutra is an ancient Indian text that suggested lifestyle customs and systems to create a specific type of respectful and interactive society based on virtue, wealth, and love. Loosely translated, Kama Sutra means “rules of love.” The “arts” described in the Kama Sutra were taught in various phases to children and young adults so that lovers would know how to please each other.
Contrary to popular belief, the arts are not all about sexual positions. In fact, sex is only one of the arts. Other arts include daily activities, such as hygiene, farming, housekeeping, sewing, and child care, as well as fine arts, such as music, painting, poetry, and dance.
There are varying ideas about sex and the Kama Sutra, and those notions have been assumed and speculated about for centuries. The Kama Sutra itself is based on spiritual ideas rooted in Eastern religions. When it comes to the sexual ideas presented in the text, people became confused. And it’s no wonder. The Kama Sutra went underground for a long time. Only now that the text has become mainstreamed are there several translations and interpretations about what, exactly, it means. Some people believe the Kama Sutra is only about sexual positions. Other people realize there are specific ideas about fore- and after-play. In any relationship, understanding and compromise can go a long way. Communication is crucial to any relationship. It’s important to talk about what you want, what you desire, and how you can make things better for each other. Keeping your partner satisfied in the bedroom increases the likelihood of a smoother life outside the bedroom, too. Remember, you are sexual partners in all aspects of your lives, and you should constantly respect and show affection for one another. Your sexual life will carry through in everything that you do—from preparing a meal to washing the car. With the respect and validation you receive in a satisfying sexual relationship, you may find your life as a whole, as well as within the partnership, grow more vital and interesting.
For those wishing to understand more about the Kama Sutra, there are many books on the subject, as well as Internet sites.
This book has been created for the average couple— a couple that has been together long enough to be fully comfortable with one another. Age, weight, color, and race are not factors here. What is important is that you treat your body well, as the Kama Sutra calls for stamina, flexibility, and even sex drive. You and your partner should be comfortable with each other—as you can see, a woman needs to trust her man completely while he holds her upside down or suspended in the air. Likewise, a man needs to trust his woman to communicate with him if she’s being hurt, needs more time to warm up, or if her leg is sore.
I am a woman in her forties, of average weight and average height. I have tried all fifty-two positions selected here and could get into nearly every position as required. Admittedly, some positions, due to the weight and flexibility limitations of my partner and I, wouldn’t rank as first choice for endless pleasure.
I have included positions for people of any size and weight. With some positions, yoga or ballet training will help to rev up your flexibility. It is important to remember that even our beautiful models couldn’t successfully manipulate themselves completely into some of the ancient complex positions, so don’t get frustrated. Do whatever works best for you and have fun!
I created this book to bring joy and fun to a couple’s sex life. It is an informational tool intended to open the door to candid conversation between man and woman.
Some of the positions are animal-like, and this is to invite a sense of play between partners. These positions help remind us not to take life so seriously. Some of the positions have one partner dominant over the other. Some positions inspire laughter as the partners try to manipulate their bodies, and laughter is one of the biggest stress releases in the world. If you can combine sex and laughter, chances are good you will be able to successfully build a solid relationship with one another.
Remember, it’s not important that you mimic these positions perfectly. The idea is for you to try new and different positions, techniques, and angles in an effort to please each other.
The average couple gets hooked on an idea— or if you’re lucky, two—in the bedroom and this becomes routine. After all, if we’ve figured out how to float each other’s boat and we’re happy, why mess with perfection?
But people get bored. Even if you’ve found the magic button, knee-knocking, head-spinning, body-slamming positions that work for you, how long do you think it will be before you grow tired of doing the same old thing?
Use these positions however you like— with toys, costumes, ropes, furniture, pillows, etc.—or wherever your imagination takes you.
You can have your partner choose one for a night’s exploration or you can simply add some new material into your usual routine each week. Try the positions in the order presented or try them at random. Choose a missionary, rear-entry, or standing position in each play session. Or perfect your technique with one position before moving onto the next.
It’s important to try to understand why each position is different and also to attempt to perform it as closely as described because there are nuances in some positions where you don’t realize how exciting they are until you are actually doing them.
Remember, too, that thrusting isn’t the key to every position. Some positions require “milking” or “squeezing” by the woman and some positions require gentle rocking, sliding, or undulating. Try different ways of feeling your bodies connect.
Throughout the book, specific terminology from the Kama Sutra is used to describe different sex organs. The penis is referred to as the lingam, the female outer genitalia or lips are referred to as the yoni, and the female outer genitalia or lips with the clitoris are referred to as the flowering lotus.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary. Try to keep it private and comfortable for adult play. Keep the room clean and uncluttered. Use different scented oils or candles to inspire lust and love.
Your body is your main play toy. Some of the cards suggest exercises and breathing techniques that will loosen the body up and inspire greater flexibility. Stretching before—and after—a vigorous encounter can help prevent pulling muscles.
When trying new techniques or experimenting with different types of sex games, always be respectful of each other. Never force your partner to try something they are reluctant to do.
So, how many positions are there in the Kama Sutra? Opinions vary, but I’ve read that there are more than 500 positions. If you pay attention to the subtleties, you’re guaranteed hours of excitement and a lifetime of satisfaction.