Dorling Kindersley - Kama Sutra A Position A Day

Illustrated by Alicia Rihko

Kama sutra

Time out of mind, we’ve loved spicing up our sex lives with a little variety. Have you ever wanted to dazzle a new lover with your wicked invention? Or to refresh the long-cherished intimacy you hold with the familiar love of your life? Or to try something totally new just for the fun of it? As it turns out, so did our ancestors.Here you’ll find a position for every day of the year, inspired not only by the most famous love text in history but by other classic authors. Who hasn’t heard of the Kama Sutra? Written some time between the second and fifth centuries by the great yogi Mallanaga Vatsyayana, its aim was not just to share naughty secrets but also to reflect on the whole nature of pleasure, love, and how to live a fulfilling life. A grand work indeed, but not the only word on the subject: here you’ll find tips from other classics – the Smaradipika, the Ananga Ranga, the Panchasayaka, the Ratikallonlini, books written by poets, scholars and philosophers to enlighten lovers across the ages. If all that sounds scholarly, don’t worry: yourself and your partner are all you need to bring to the table... or bed, floor, staircase or anywhere else you fancy.People are sexy creatures, whenever or wherever they’re born, and we love to experiment. We all know that different positions are one way to shake things up: sex is a physical conversation and the stance you strike at the beginning can do a lot for your tone. But there’s more to it than just different twists and angles. Human beings are creative, and we like to work together making new and beautiful things. As the ancient writers taught us, sex can be part of that: to try new ideas in bed is to sculpt with sensation, to paint with love. Artists of former times knew that sex could be an art.

There are lots of ways you can read this book. You can leaf through, looking for a new favourite and trying whatever takes your eye. You can take on the huge and hilarious challenge of attempting one position every day – and whether you succeed or not, there’s no question you and your partner will be the happier, funnier and closer for giving it a shot. If you’re after something specific, you can also flip to the end, where you’ll find a Random Selector pointing you towards our particular recommendations for whatever mood you’re in. Some of these positions are sensual, sleepy or spiritual caresses. Some of them are limb-bending, brow-raising feats to make you feel tingly and clever all over. All of them are a door to a creative playground where you and your lover can run wild.

DAY

001

the pulsing embrace

A loving and sensual full-body caress.“Meditate to the beat of your partner’s heart”

the almost-kiss

The Kama Sutra says this is for young virgins, but don’t let that stop you. “A fluttering breath of temptation”

“The delicious full-mouthed swallow“sucking the mango stone

A timeless way to their heart.

Day002

Day003

rolling the pearl

Lightly massage with fingertips either side, moving in gentle counterpoint.

DAY 004

“Treasure your partner’s clitoris with delicate skill”

the snake embrace

Eyes closed and heads averted, experience pure sensation.the knight’s salute

No need to kiss chastely – let your lips and tongue plead your case. “Twine together in unthinking bliss”

“A courtly gesture no-one can resist“

Day005

Day006

DAY 007

kshobaka (stirring)The Kama Sutra describes this lapping movement as drinking at their sacred fountain.

“Stir your tongue between their wide-held thighs”

DAY 008

the cupped bowlFingertips at the base of the skull are chaste, but astonishingly intimate.

“Succumb to a state of pure nurture”

DAY 009

lovers’ greeting

A wonderful way to reunite, no matter how long you’ve been parted.“So happy together you could dance on air”

“See, yearn … wait for their word”

“Twine thigh-to-genital and twist in mutual delight“

flaunting the prize

This is one for the true show-off.the braided reeds

A sleepy, sensuous caress for lovers newly acquainted.

Day010

Day011

DAY 012

love’s flag

Let yourself grow light-headed with sensation as they thrust.“Raise a salute to your passion”

the pestle