Complete Kama Sutra: The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text

This definitive volume is the first modern translation of Vatsyayana's Kama Sutra to include two essential commentaries: the Jayamangala of Yashodhara and the modern Hindi commentary by Devadatta Shastri. Alain Danilou spent four years comparing versions of the Kama Sutra in Sanskrit, Hindi, Bengali, and English, drawing on his intimate experience of India, to preserve the full explicitness of the original. I wanted to demystify India, he writes, to show that a period of great civilization, of high culture, is forcibly a period of great liberty. 

The oldest and most widely read guide to the pleasures of sexuality, the Kama Sutradeals with all aspects of sexual life, and was compiled from texts dating to the fourth century B.C. In contrast to the only previously available version, Alain Danielou's new translation preserves the full explicitness of the original.

The oldest and most widely read guide to the pleasures of sexuality, the Kama Sutra deals with all aspects of sexual life, and was compiled from texts dating to the fourth century B.C. In contrast to the only previously available version, Alain Danielou's new translation preserves the full explicitness of the original.

Alain Danilou (1907-1994) spent 20 years in India studying music and philosophy with eminent scholars of the Hindu traditions. He is the author of more than 30 books on the religion, history, and arts of India and the Mediterranean.

The Complete Kama Sutra

The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text

Editor's Note

Introduction by Alain Danielou

Part One: General Remarks

1. Contents of the Book

2. The Three Aims of Life

3. The Acquisition of Knowledge

4. The Conduct of the Well-bred Townsman

5. Reflections on Intermediaries Who Assist the Lover in His Enterprises

Part Two: Amorous Advances

1. Stimulation of Erotic Desire

2. Embraces

3. Petting and Caresses

4. The Art of Scratching

5. Biting

6. On Copulation and Special Tastes

7. Blows and Sighs

8. Virile Behavior in Women

9. Superior Coition or Fellation

10. Preludes and Conclusions to the Game of Love

Part Three: Acquiring a Wife

1. Forms of Marriage

2. How to Relax the Girl

3. Ways of Obtaining the Girl

4. How to Manage Alone

5. Union by Marriage

Part Four: Duties and Privileges of the Wife

1. Conduct of the Only Wife

2. Conduct of the Chief Wife and Other Wives

Part Five: Other Men's Wives

1. Behavior of Woman and Man

2. Encounters to Get Acquainted

3. Examination of Sentiments

4. The Task of the Go-between

5. The King's Pleasures

6. Behavior in the Gynoecium

Part Six: About Courtesans

1. Advice of the Assistants on the Choice of Lovers

2. Looking for a Steady Lover

3. Ways of Making Money

4. Renewing Friendship with a Former Lover

5. Occasional Profits

6. Profits and Losses: Reflections on Doubts Concerning the 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Relations

Part Seven: Occult Practices

1. Success in Love

2. Mythical and Historical Characters and Authors Mentioned in the Text

3. Works Consulted

4. Glossary I: Plants, Herbs, Spices, and Sundry Products

5. Glossary II: Special Terms

Index

About the Translator