The Kama Sutra of Vatsayayana | Page 7

exceptions to the general rule.
Objection 1
Some learned men say that as Dharma is connected with things not
belonging to this world, it is appropriately treated of in a book; and so
also is Artha, because it is practised only by the application of proper

means, and a knowledge of those means can only be obtained by study
and from books. But Kama being a thing which is practised even by the
brute creation, and which is to be found everywhere, does not want any
work on the subject.
Answer
This is not so. Sexual intercourse being a thing dependent on man and
woman requires the application of proper means by them, and those
means are to be learnt from the Kama Shastra. The non-application of
proper means, which we see in the brute creation, is caused by their
being unrestrained, and by the females among them only being fit for
sexual intercourse at certain seasons and no more, and by their
intercourse not being preceded by thought of any kind.
Objection 2
The Lokayatikas 1 say: Religious ordinances should not be observed,
for they bear a future fruit, and at the same time it is also doubtful
whether they will bear any fruit at all. What foolish person will give
away that which is in his own hands into the hands of another?
Moreover, it is better to have a pigeon today than a peacock tomorrow;
and a copper coin which we have the certainty of obtaining, is better
than a gold coin, the possession of which is doubtful.

Answer
It is not so. 1st. Holy Writ, which ordains the practice of Dharma, does
not admit of a doubt.
2nd. Sacrifices such as those made for the destruction of enemies, or
for the fall of rain, are seen to bear fruit.
3rd. The sun, moon, stars, planets and other heavenly bodies appear to
work intentionally for the good of the world.
4th. the existence of this world is effected by the observance of the

rules respecting the four classes of men and their four stages of life. 2

5th. We see that seed is thrown into the ground with the hope of future
crops.
Vatsyayana is therefore of opinion that the ordinances of religion must
be obeyed.
Objection 3
Those who believe that destiny is the prime mover of all things say: We
should not exert ourselves to acquire wealth, for sometimes it is not
acquired although we strive to get it, while at other times it comes to us
of itself without any exertion on our part. Everything is therefore in the
power of destiny, who is the lord of gain and loss, of success and defeat,
of pleasure and pain. Thus we see that Bali 3 was raised to the throne of
Indra by destiny, and was also put down by the same power, and it is
destiny only that call reinstate him.

Answer
It is not right to say so. As the acquisition of every object presupposes
at all events some exertion on the part of man, the application of proper
means may be said to be the cause of gaining all our ends, and this
application of proper means being thus necessary (even where a thing is
destined to happen), it follows that a person who does nothing will
enjoy no happiness.
Objection 4
Those who are inclined to think that Artha is the chief object to be
obtained argue thus. Pleasures should not be sought for, because they
are obstacles to the practice of Dharma and Artha, which are both
superior to them, and are also disliked by meritorious persons.
Pleasures also bring a man into distress, and into contact with low

persons; they cause him to commit unrighteous deeds, and produce
impurity in him; they make him regardless of the future, and encourage
carelessness and levity. And lastly, they cause him to be disbelieved by
all, received by none, and despised by everybody, including himself. It
is notorious, moreover, that many men who have given themselves up
to pleasure alone, have been ruined along with their families and
relations. Thus, king Dandakya, of the Bhoja dynasty, carried off a
Brahman's daughter with evil intent, and was eventually ruined and lost
his kingdom. Indra, too, having violated the chastity of Ahalya, was
made to suffer for it. In a like manner the mighty Kichaka, who tried to
seduce Draupadi, and Ravana, who attempted to gain over Sita, were
punished for their crimes. These and many others fell by reason of their
pleasures. 4

Answer
This objection cannot be sustained, for pleasures, being as necessary
for the existence and well being of the body as food, are consequently
equally required. They are, moreover, the results of Dharma and Artha.
Pleasures are, therefore, to