The Monk Who Taught the World About PleasureThe Monk Who Taught the World About PleasureMaharishi Vatsyayana, the ancient author of the Kama Sutra, is revered as India’s first "love guru" Composed around the 2nd–3rd century CE, Vatsyayana’s Kama Sutra is more than eroticism—it’s a philosophical guide to love, relationships, and lifeTradition holds that Vatsyayana was a lifelong brahmachari—a celibate scholar who abstained from sexual activity Though he wrote extensively on desire and pleasure, Vatsyayana believed in controlling kama (desire) and not being enslaved by it His work weaves together the ancient Hindu goals of Life: Dharma (virtue), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation) Only a small part covers sexual positions. Most of the text discusses courtship, emotional bonds, relationships, and societal etiquette Vatsyayana emphasized balance and moderation, showing how pleasure must align with moral and social order