Vātsyāyana

Vātsyāyana was an ancient Indian philosopher, known for authoring the Kama Sutra[1†]. He lived in India during the second or third century CE[1†], probably in Pataliputra (modern day Patna in Bihar)[1†]. His name is sometimes erroneously confused with Mallanaga, the seer of the Asuras, to whom the origin of erotic science is attributed[1†]. He is not to be confused with Pakṣilasvāmin Vātsyāyana, the author of Nyāya Sutra Bhāshya, the first preserved commentary on Gotama’s Nyāya Sutras[1†][2†].

Vātsyāyana’s interest in refined human behavior, including sexual behavior as a means of fulfillment, was recorded in his treatise Kama Sutra[1†]. At the close of the Kama Sutra, he writes about himself: "After reading and considering the works of Babhravya and other ancient authors, and thinking over the meaning of the rules given by them, this treatise was composed, according to the precepts of the Holy Writ, for the benefit of the world, by Vatsyayana, while leading the life of a religious student at Benares, and wholly engaged in the contemplation of the Deity. This work is not to be used merely as an instrument for satisfying our desires. A person acquainted with the true principles of this science, who preserves his Dharma (virtue or religious merit), his Artha (worldly wealth) and his Kama (pleasure or sensual gratification), and who has regard to the customs of the people, is sure to obtain the mastery over his senses. In short, an intelligent and knowing person attending to Dharma and Artha and also to Kama, without becoming the slave of his passions, will obtain success in everything that he may do."[1†]

Early Years and Education

Vātsyāyana was a Hindu philosopher in the Vedic tradition who is believed to have lived around the 3rd century CE in India[3†]. He spent most of his time in Pataliputra (modern day Patna in Bihar)[3†][1†]. There is little knowledge about his early life and education. For years, scholars believed that he lived sometime between the 6th century B.C. and the 6th century A.D. – The Gupta period of Indian civilization[3†]. His work Kama Sutra reveals that he spent most of his time in Banaras (present Varanasi) as a religious student[3†]. It’s believed that he spent several years studying religion before compiling his work[3†].

Career Development and Achievements

Vātsyāyana is most renowned for authoring the Kama Sutra, a treatise on love and sexual behavior[1†]. His work is considered a significant contribution to the understanding of human behavior, particularly in the context of relationships and sexuality[1†]. The Kama Sutra is not merely an instrument for satisfying desires, but a guide to obtaining mastery over one’s senses and achieving success in all endeavors[1†].

Vātsyāyana’s work was composed while he was leading the life of a religious student in Benares (now Varanasi), wholly engaged in the contemplation of the Deity[1†]. His work reflects his deep understanding of human nature and his commitment to the principles of Dharma (virtue or religious merit), Artha (worldly wealth), and Kama (pleasure or sensual gratification)[1†].

Vātsyāyana’s work has had a profound influence on later generations. His teachings have been widely studied and have shaped many aspects of Indian philosophy and culture[1†]. Despite the passage of centuries, his work continues to be relevant and is studied and referenced in various fields, including philosophy, sociology, and human sexuality[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Vātsyāyana is most renowned for his work, the Kama Sutra[1†]. This ancient Indian text is a seminal work on human sexual behavior in Sanskrit literature[1†]. The Kama Sutra is not merely an instrument for satisfying our desires, but a guide to living well, attending to Dharma (virtue or religious merit), Artha (worldly wealth), and Kama (pleasure or sensual gratification), without becoming a slave to one’s passions[1†].

The Kama Sutra was composed while Vātsyāyana was leading the life of a religious student at Benares, wholly engaged in the contemplation of the Deity[1†]. It is a comprehensive treatise on the art of love and includes advice on various aspects of sexual love, including courtship, marriage, and family life[1†].

Vātsyāyana’s work sets the agenda for much of Nyāya’s philosophical developments throughout its history[1†][2†]. His theory of knowledge gives special attention to the nature and importance of cognition as a guide to action[1†][2†].

Here are the main works of Vātsyāyana:

• Kama Sutra: A detailed guide on virtue (dharma), wealth (artha), and love (kama), which is considered the definitive work on human sexual behavior in Sanskrit literature[1†].
• Nyāya Sutra Bhāshya: The first preserved commentary on Gotama’s Nyāya Sutras[1†][2†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Vātsyāyana’s most significant work, the Kama Sutra, has had a profound influence on literature, philosophy, and thought, not just in India, but across the world. The text is a comprehensive exploration of love, desire, and pleasure, offering detailed advice on various aspects of personal and social life.

The Kama Sutra is not merely a manual on love and pleasure, but a philosophical guide that emphasizes the importance of balance in life. Vātsyāyana believed that a fulfilling life is one where Dharma (virtue or religious merit), Artha (worldly wealth), and Kama (pleasure or sensual gratification) are in harmony.

Vātsyāyana’s work is characterized by its depth and breadth of understanding of human nature and behavior. His insights into the complexities of relationships and the nuances of desire and pleasure have made the Kama Sutra a timeless classic.

Despite the Kama Sutra’s association with sensuality, Vātsyāyana’s work is deeply philosophical. It reflects a sophisticated understanding of human psychology and a keen insight into the dynamics of love and desire.

Vātsyāyana’s Kama Sutra has been analyzed, interpreted, and translated by scholars and experts worldwide, attesting to its enduring relevance and appeal.

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Vātsyāyana lived in India during the second or third century CE[1†].
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: Indian[1†]
• Occupation: Philosopher[1†]
• Notable Works: Vātsyāyana is known for authoring the Kama Sutra[1†].
• Notable Achievements: His work, the Kama Sutra, is a significant ancient Indian text that discusses aspects of Hindu philosophy pertaining to pleasure-oriented faculties of human life[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Vātsyāyana [website] - link
2. Wikipedia (English) - Pakṣilasvāmin Vātsyāyana [website] - link
3. Veethi - Vatsyayana - Profile, Biography and Life History [website] - link