Vatsyayana must be pleased. Kama Sutra, his conclusive guide to sex, has been presented in an exciting new version by India's most famous export to the US — spiritual guru Deepak Chopra.
For the first time, Chopra has explored the universal themes of spirituality and sexuality and their role in connecting lovers emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The book is illustrated by a group of Indian artists handpicked by the author.
But why rewrite a well-known Indian classic? "My books have always been about personal growth and evolution. I felt that Kama Sutra needed a commentary that would remove some misconceptions that people have about sex and spirituality.
Through the years, Kama Sutra has become such a staid and clinical text — anything but sensual. Still, it is one of India's treasures. But it required a 're-invention'," says Chopra.
For Chopra, adding contemporary material to the classic was the real challenge. "I have two sections in the book that are not found in any of the other commentaries on Kama Sutra.
The first of these is a deep examination of the nature of sexual energy and how it relates to spiritual energy. The second section is on seven stages of romantic love including attraction, infatuation, communion, intimacy, surrender, passion, and ecstasy."
The original Kama Sutra includes guidance on how to be a good citizen, insights into relationships between lovers, the four main pursuits of life, as well as providing insight into the sexual mores and practices of ancient India.
