A lecture on Kamasutra of sage Vatsayana was held here recently under the aegis of the Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies (AYOS).
Delivering his thought-provoking speech, noted Sanskrit scholar Prof VB Shastry opined that Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha as enunciated in the monumental Kamasutra are the four indispensable goals of human life.
He noted that Kama or fulfilment of human desire is equally a prerequisite as the other three goals are. Narrating the mythological background, Prof Shastry said Kamadeva or cupid or the God of love was burnt into ashes while attempting to entice lord Shiva to be engaged in dalliance with Goddess Parvati.
The demise of Kamadeva resulted in the cessation of desires in human life, consequently leading to the end of reproduction in the world. Panicked gods propitiated lord Shiva through their prayers, and resurrection of life was possible as Kamadeva got blessed with a new lease of life. Thus, the chain of the life was restored and the gaiety of the world continues. “Hence, Kama or sex is a necessity, but it has to be controlled, civilised and limited to the ambits of morality,” concluded Prof Shastry.
The seminar was followed by a question-answer session, over which eminent Sanskrit scholar S Sundar Rajan presided. He observed that Dharma, Artha and Kama constitute the three Vargas, which meet, merge and mingle with Moksha or the final liberation of the soul known as Apavarga. Sex is a must, but it is not the be all and end all of human goal, he added.