Presents a translation of the classic Indian writings on sex, love, and intimacy. Sir Richard F. Burton's translation of The Kama Sutra remains one of the best English interpretations of this early Indian treatise on politics, social customs, love, and intimacy. Its crisp style set a new standard for Sanskrit translation.The Kama Sutra stands uniquely as a work of psychology, sociology, Hindu dogma, and sexology. It has been a celebrated classic of Indian literature for 1,700 years and a window for the West into the culture and mysticism of the East. This Modern Library Paperback Classic reprints the authoritative text of Sir Richard F. Burton's 1883 translation. Biographical Note v Introduction xiii Margot Anand A Note on the Text xxv The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana Preface xxix Introduction xxxv Part I THE VATSYAYANA SUTRA Introductory Preface: Salutation to Dharma, Artha, and Kama 3(2) On the Acquisition of Dharma, Artha, and Kama 5(6) On the Arts and Sciences to be Studied 11(5) The Life of a Citizen 16(7) About the Kinds of Women Resorted to by the Citizens, and of Friends and Messengers 23(8) Part II OF SEXUAL UNION Kinds of Sexual Union According to (A)Dimensions, (B)Force of Desire or Passion (C)Time 31(1) Of the Embrace 32(10) On Kissing 42(4) Of Pressing, or Marking, or Scratching with the Nails 46(4) On Biting, and the Means to be Employed with Regard to Women of Different Countries 50(4) Of the Different Ways of Lying Down, and Various Kinds of Congress 54(4) Of the Various Modes of Striking, and of the Sounds Appropriate to Them 58(4) About Women Acting the Part of a Man; and of the Work of a Man 62(4) Of the Auparishtaka or Mouth Congress 66(5) Of the Way How to Begin and How to End Congress. Different Kinds of Congress and Love Quarrels 71(6) Part III ABOUT THE ACQUISITION OF A WIFE On Marriage 77(4) Of Creating Confidence in the Girl 81(4) On Courtship, and the Manifestation of the Feelings by Outward Signs and Deeds 85(4) About Things to be Done Only by the Man, and the Acquisition of the Girl Thereby. Also What is to Be Done by a Girl to Gain Over a Man, and subject Him to Her 89(4) On Certain Forms of Marriage 93(6) Part IV ABOUT A WIFE On the Manner of Living of a Virtuous Woman, and of Her Behaviour During the Absence of Her Husband 99(5) On the Conduct of the Elder Wife Towards the Other Wives of Her Husband, and on That of a Younger Wife Towards the Elder Ones. Also on the Conduct of a Virgin Widow Remarried; of a Wife Disliked by Her Husband; of the Women in the King's Harem; and Lastly on the Conduct of a Husband Towards Many Wives 104(9) Part V ABOUT THE WIVES OF OTHER MEN Of the Characteristics of Men and Women-The Reasons Why Women Reject the Addresses of Men-About Men Who Have Success with Women, and About Women Who Are Easily Gained Over 113(6) About Making Acquaintance with the Woman, and of the Efforts to Gain Her Over 119(4) Examination of the State of a Woman's Mind 123(3) About the Business of a Go-Between 126(7) About the Love of Persons in Authority for the Wives of Other Men 133(5) About the Women of the Royal Harem; and of the Keeping of One's Own Wife 138(9) Part VI ABOUT COURTEZANS Introductory Remarks 145(2) Of the Causes of a Courtezan Resorting to Men; of the Means of Attaching to Herself the Man Desired; and of the Kind of Man That is Desirable to Be Acquainted With 147(5) Of Living Like a Wife 152(4) Of the Means of Getting Money; of the Signs of the Change of a Lover's Feelings, and of the Way to Get Rid of Him 156(5) About Re-Union with a Former Lover 161(5) Of Different Kinds of Gain 166(4) Of Gains and Losses; Attendant Gains and Losses; and Doubts; as Also of the Different Kinds of Courtezans 170(9) Part VII ABOUT THE MEANS OF ATTRACTING OTHERS TO YOURSELF On Personal Adornment; on Subjugating the Hearts of Others; and on Tonic Medicines 179(6) Of the Ways of Exciting Desire, and Miscellaneous Experiments, and Recipes 185(6) Concluding Remarks 191