Ancient Indian sages composed the Kama Shastra on the basis of the Vedas. The first formulation of the Kama Shastra, or the rules of love, is attributed to Nandi, Shiva's companion. It is preserved today in the form of the 'Kama Sutra' written down by the sage Vatsyayana sometime between the first and sixth century A.D. The Kama Sutra is recognised as the true surviving text of the original Kama Shastra. Vatsyayana states that he only quotes and condenses the previous work and refers to himself in third person (Vatsyayana thinks ..) when expressing his opinion.

The Kama Shastra was one of three ancient Indian texts concerning the aims of life. It should be understood within the context of the Artha Shastra and the Dharma Shastra (which were written in Sanskrit, seventh century B.C.). As Alain Danielou confirms;

Life necessitates three kinds of activity: to assure its survival, its means of existence, and its nourishment; to realise its reproduction according to forms of activity generally connected with sexuality; and, lastly, to establish rules of behaviour that allow different individuals to perform their roles within the framework of the species. In human society, this is represented as three necessities, three aims of life: material goods (artha) assure survival; erotic practice (kama) assures the transmission of life; and rules of behaviour, a moral nature (dharma), assure the cohesion and duration of the species. (The Complete Kama Sutra, translated by Alain Danielou, 1994)

So with religion, morality (dharma) and material success (artha), kama is the third goal of human life. Kama is further defined as;

Kama is the enjoyment of appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing, feeling, seeing, tasting and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul. The ingredient in this is a peculiar contact between the organ of sense and its object, and the consciousness of pleasure which arises from that contact is called Kama. .. Kama is to be learnt from the Kama Sutra (aphorisms on love) and from the practice of citizens. (Kama Sutra, 1883)

The ancient Indians appear to be very good evolutionists, as it is clear from evolution that sex and survival are the two most fundamental forces driving our continued existence. Further, it is an evolutionary work in that it promotes the cultivation of skills to become a well rounded / well evolved individual with healthy, intimate relationships with others. As Alain Danielou agrees;

The aim of the Sixty Four Arts is not merely to be a good wife, but to be a skillful, playful, understanding, refined, sexual, beautiful and intelligent men & woman. The ancient erotic text also expresses cultivation of the male, his understanding of male & female nature and the importance of cultivating sensual moods and intimacy. The ancient Indians show great attention to detail of smell, light, music, food, drink and touch before intercourse can begin.

The modern western world is a busy stressful place. It takes time and effort to cultivate a beautiful, sensual environment and sense of self. Many people (both men & women) do not have the fulfilling sexual relationship they desire. The Kama Sutra, , is a guide towards deeper intimacy within, with other people and the universe. With intimacy comes less inhibitions, freedom and sharing of power. The erotic sutra is not always politically correct - but very amusing, creative, wild, though sensible and thought provoking too. If you are interested in the history of sexuality or just the sex act and wanting to experiment then the 'Book of Love' is well worth a browse.

Much wisdom is to be found in our modern world from ideas of the ancients, particularly Ancient Indian Philosophy. Of great significance is the Eastern understanding that All is One and interconnected, and that we humans are part of the whole. In realising our connection to the universe, we find solace, fulfillment and guidance of how we are to live.

The ancient Indians were very close to understanding reality, yet they never truly knew what exists (what matter is and how is it connected to all other matter in the universe). Western Science (founded on 'Particles' and 'Forces / Fields' in Space and Time) has never correctly understood this interconnection of all things.