The Kama Sutra. The Indian Art of Love. The ultimate sexual how-to text. Whatever you call it, the Kama Sutra has been everything from a manual to a conversational ice breaker since it gained notoriety in popular culture.

Most people identify the Kama Sutra with illustrations of various sexual positions, but few realize that the contents are actually broke into seven sections, only the second of which actually describing sixty-four unique sexual acts. It also goes on to detail how the art of kissing, caressing, biting, and marking with nails and teeth all contribute to the sexual act.

The remaining chapters, aside from the introduction, include instructions on how to obtain and relax a virgin bride before intercourse, the conduct of multiple wives, and other detailing of day-to-day life. There is a section about the behaviors of others’ wives, and a chapter devoted to courtesans that discusses profits and losses.

Finally, the text finishes by talking about improving physical attractions and arousing weakened sexual power.

At its core, however, the Kama Sutra is more about pleasure and spirituality as they meet as one. Many Indian philosophies follow the “four main goals of life.” They are called purusharthas, and consist of: Dharma, which means Virtuous living. Artha, which means Material prosperity. Kama, meaning Aesthetic and erotic pleasure. And Moksha, Liberation.

The Kama Sutra states that: “Dharma is better than Artha, and Artha is better than Kama. But Artha should always be first practiced by the king for the livelihood of men is to be obtained from it only. Again, Kama being the occupation of public women, they should prefer it to the other two, and these are exceptions to the general rule.”

Essentially, the Kama Sutra teaches us that in all things there is balance, and ones life goals must be balanced as well. Despite the spotlight shined on the sexuality of the text, the Kama Sutra actually tells us that for men, living a virtuous, materially prosperous life was more important than being erotically pleasured, as that was the place of women. Not exactly a great lesson by today’s standards, but trust the tale and not the teller.

Today’s sexuality focuses a great deal on the physical end, which the Kama Sutra discusses in detail, but sometimes neglects the spiritual. If you’re looking to nurture your own relationship, the Kama Sutra is ultimately a worthwhile text to read, and not just for the pretty pictures.

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