An Uncommon Guide to the Kama Sutra (You'll Be Shocked By What We Found) feat. Seema Anand

The Kama Sutra, a renowned ancient Indian Sanskrit text, often perceived as a guide to sexual positions and techniques, is in fact a comprehensive guide to virtuous and gracious living. Written between 400 BCE and 200 CE by a sage named Vatsyayana, this text covers various aspects of life, including family, relationships, and personal conduct, amongst others. The Kama Sutra is a profound ancient text that offers wisdom not only on intimacy but on many facets of life. Its holistic approach to love and relationships makes it a rich resource for understanding ancient Indian society's perspectives on love, life, and morality. By exploring it in depth, you may find a plethora of wisdom that goes beyond the bedroom and offers insights into a virtuous and gracious life.
On this episode we have Seema Anand guides us through what we missed while looking at the pictures of sex positions in the kama Sutra. Seema Anand is a London-based story-teller, mythologist, and narrative practitioner, known for her expertise in the field of ancient Asian narratives and their relevance in contemporary times. She is particularly well-recognized for her works in bringing to light the narratives surrounding female sexuality and empowerment that are deeply embedded in ancient texts, including the Kama Sutra.
She has also authored several books where she delves into narratives of love, desire, and female beauty from an Asian perspective, enabling a deeper understanding and appreciation of these age-old philosophies.
Seema holds a PhD in Narrative practices, positioning her as an authority in her field, which allows her to skilfully weave the ancient wisdom with modern narratives to foster understanding and empathy in today's society.
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[@justine7143]

When I read the Kama Sutra, it definitely didn’t seem like a book of sexual positions. It was like a guide on how to woo a wife that you’ve probably never met before and motivate her to open up and be happy in this new arrangement with you. It talked about how body compatibility is important and there’s no shame in not wanting to be with someone your body can’t pair with. It really talked a lot about how a man should treat a woman, how to be gentle, and understanding of how difficult marrying a man she’s never met might be for her, and being considerate about how hard moving away from all her family must be. In general, it seem like a book on how to be a good partner, both women and men. Not how to fuck.

[@SR-mv2mf]

That sounds wholesome and nice

[@RojaJaneman]

It was designed to demonize -dehumanize d natives. It was to go “look at d dang savages”. Amongst many other such myths created during d colonialism era. There’s almost zero truth to most things discussed about that world out here in d west. Hippies for example were somehow connected to d East. When they themselves r not hippies out there. D fact is most people in d west aren’t actually interested in facts, so such myths still go on today.

[@springteen3743]

Good observation 😊

[@bellastar1299]

Is it just called “The Karma Sutra”… or something specific?

[@prayasuda1454]

Rak ( raaka) is a desire for sex. Karma [ krrma or(kaama = desires) in Bali] is a word for a procedure or methodology literary. Those words are from Sanskrit. In many countries, we do not have a word for "love" till the contact of the Western nations. However, we have the words for affection, desires, passion and etc. Thailand will use the word "Rak" for the word Love. However, love can be platonic loves. Thus, most of Asian parents won't say much or at all for such " I love you son/daughter."

[@s.b626]

The beauty oft the Indians. Their culture is unmatched

[@iam_trinikimmy]

This episode is definitely one of my faves. I have to say that as we get older, we tend to understand our bodies and the art of pleasure more. When Seema said that the Kama Sutra was created to instruct rich men on how to pleasure women, then it made more sense as to why rich men were thought of as the best men to marry. The whole concept about spending time together and devoting a certain amount of time to the woman's pleasure is precious. Today's man needs to understand this, but instead we label this sort of behaviour as being a simp. I love the parts about the love bites, making a love bite necklace or bracelet on your lover, oh yes! Love from T&T!

[@Areyannamonae]

Not necessarily. India traditionally operated upon a Caste(class) system along with arranged marriages. It simply didn’t make sense to marry a poor man. Parents wouldn’t intentionally marry their daughters off to men that were poor because it meant that their daughters would be poor and what sensible parent want their child to suffer in any means. It just wasn’t a normal thing. However women would cheat and complain about not being sexually satisfied so they started teaching men how to be good sexual partners to keep the women from straying away from their marriages. It wasn’t so much that they were the best partners to marry, but they were.

[@91toinfinity]

Rich men would only marry equally in status. India has a very divided caste system. Not just any woman would be able to marry a rich man, as is the case today.

[@springteen3743]

Not really, that’s has nothing to do with simp 😀simp is a guy giving attention to females even when the females are repulsive by their simping behavior, just cause this type of male are hoping to get lucky. 😊

[@praveenrajur1639]

ಯ dear ur right ❤

[@JerriCouncil]

Ancient wisdom served-up in a modern context! Wonderful dialog.💕

[@carameldarling2980]

So interesting! I am very intrigued by this. It's true that the way sex is spoken about and expressed today is so vulgar and unappealing (to me anyway) but the way she was describing it was beautiful and sensual. What I learned from this episode is the importance of engaging the senses as much as possible so that you remain present and really enjoy the intimacy (not just penetration). As a lover of perfume, she got me with the perfuming different parts of the body! How imaginative

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

Read theology of the body and watch Christopher west it as a beautiful description of yhe human body and sex and other things.

[@bashirudada486]

​@@carolinpurayidom4570 sorry babe is there anything like penis enlargement medicine? I mean like tablets, pills and lube?

[@BABUIL25]

Congratulations on getting your masters degree! Absolutely be proud of yourself! Especially, when you’re working mom and wife.

[@kwimms]

She obviously is a terrible wife and mother... she only needs to know how to keep her husband happy... Sorry for any man who ends up with this mess!

[@amruthak9433]

@@kwimms sry for whoever ends up with u as a partner

[@kelleydavis1178]

I’m kind of amazed by this. Such a good listen!

[@Jellybean446]

this is my absolute favorite episode! seema is so brilliant ❤

[@janetlsackey]

This was amazing Shan! Please bring her back for part two. She is a gem. Thank you for your work mama. You and your husband are beautiful. Sending love

[@praveenrajur1639]

Yes ❤

[@goddess2859]

I know you hate astrology Shan but as someone with a Scorpio Moon and Taurus rising talking about sex + pleasure, adornments, engaging the senses/sensuality gets me so excited!

[@pocketunicorn]

by far the best L&F episode i've seen. i got to a point where i genuinely didn't associate any pleasure with sex anymore. i've been abstinent by choice for a very long time. this episode not only struck me in terms of redefining an aspect of my cultural identity and history, but also allowing me to expand my view of pleasure around sex as pleasure IN sex. redefining foreplay. redefining taking your time and how you do it. the playfulness, the wit, the actual art of flirting and seduction that isn't about games but is genuinely about deepening connection and intimacy. wow. thank you both

[@dragland2560]

This episode is fascinating, thought provoking and full of wisdom. I absolutely love this content.

[@justally85]

Omgoodness right. It’s not long enough.

[@angellanabb3662]

The Kama Sutra is not just about the Physical part of sex but its about finding the intimacy and sensuality of yourself and your partner. Its understanding and knowing yourself and your partner and pleasure on all levels, the physical part is just the small part. This also is span for the young through the older ages because we change physically. This is the Study of Emotional, Sensuality, Intimacy and the Physical part of being. Everyone who reads this comes out learning some much about themselves.

[@mandiramitra7129]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@Tshifaro_WarriorPrincess]

Love this conversation.. sex is a ritual for two loving beings, it brings them together and it is supposed to be a language only two can understand. ❤

[@TraceyStClair]

She is freaking gorgeous!!

[@fady-579]

No

[@yveqeshy]

Love, love, love this episode. Shan as always, you bring so much honesty and openness to these very important yet overlooked conversations. Can we talk about how gorgeous Seema's hair is?

[@PhoenixGoddess]

Her hair is beautiful.. 😊

[@EzraMsic]

This was incredibly refreshing! So much ancient wisdom! I like how natural the conversation was & how it flowed! Seema is great! Please more content like this! ❤

[@angjbrownwhisper]

I decided freshman year of college to read it beginning to end and it started me to research the culture and history to understand it. Its really a great book about looking at relationships as a whole not just sex.

[@rushiaskinnerwallace6175]

Really appreciative of points made from 1:15 - 3:00, *especially* 2:05 - 3:00. Brilliant. I find it’s often the case that the best experts on something are those who, in a self directed way, do deep dives and learn about that which is personally affecting them and/or of deep interest to them. The knowledge gained in such instances is often much deeper and/or niche and/or practical than “formal” curriculum which is too often rigid and outdated.

[@antoinettekminor]

History like this really shows just how much colonialism and colonization really has us missing out on true and timeless gems. She broke so many shackles by sharing that the book tells men that they most likely won’t bring a woman to orgasm vaginally. Imagine if we got rid of this societal pressure/standard.

[@saltandlight93]

Right! Imagine the freedom and pleasure people would have if western literature wasn't the "standard"

[@sammyhammer8804]

This was my favorite episode! It was beautiful, fun, sensual, & honest. Both of your energies shined through on the camera so well. This left me inspired 💞

[@SIBBY_56]

what a beautiful and intriguing conversation. I just bought Seema's book, and I hope you get that date, Shan!! Great episode!

[@timbit827]

Thinking of buying the book aswell. Such a good educator

[@ifeoma1996]

I love listening to authors and teachers. Both of your perspectives were cohesive, I learned so much.

[@ailynnmckae1130]

Probably my favorite episode of the podcast! So much valuable information, and said in a way that is so easy to digest and share with others. I just loved everything about it

[@thesoulfulexpat]

This was lovely, loved the bit about how we end/start determines the next time. Also, the reminder of presence/mindfulness is key.

[@greyndhlovu3920]

I watched this from Zambia and found rich wisdom coupled with vast experience to have been shared. Please keep up the great job. You are very articulate and inspirational.

[@dr.r.chowdhury6539]

Thank you for this presentation. Kama Sutra is the best-written book on human relations that includes all aspects of relationships including the intimate and sexual part of human life and Seema Anand is a World Expert on human psychology.

[@shannonseth-ward5008]

Thank you for having such a variety of speakers and topics. It feels so good to just dive in and open my mind.

[@raechellannbarras]

This was one of your best episodes, Shan! I am intrigued!

[@busara45thevillain22]

That lady's hair had my attention the while time.

[@eric8786_]

I have been waiting for you to do this episode for years. Thank you for reading my mind without me even asking.😎

[@ms.marimac]

This video has blown my mind 🤯 I’ve learned so much, and although I don’t have a partner right now, it’s certainly inspired me to create a more pleasurable and intimate experience during my solo time. Please bring her back for another episode!

[@divinelymoowah6104]

wow, I love this episode! I read the kama sutra but admittedly didn’t truly appreciate it and understand it as I have after Seema beautifully uncovered the verses. 😳🥰

[@cri1625]

This was a transformative experience and insight into pleasure: how to give and receive, as well as understanding both ends to get to the core experience. Thank you for this enlightening conversation and introduction to Seema Anaad.

[@mnikesawhitaker-haaheim7027]

Thank you so much for this episode. What a gift. ❤

[@actuallyitsshanice9118]

I had to laugh at the end, Seema captivated you on a deep level, & same sis! This was a great episode 🙌🏾.

[@angiemowery-bemus9886]

Thanks so much for this discussion. I don’t have a group of women in my life to have these discussions with. So wonderful to find that group here! Really grateful for this information❤

[@jadhirarivera5745]

I am loving this episode. Heard it first on Apple Podcasts and now watching here. Such a gem. Love your variety of topics. Love your guest. Definitely buying book.

[@ra4207]

Girl your topics are good! I found out about you from Jeannie Mai Jenkins and loved you ever since! Good job girl! And congratulations to all your degrees!

[@Homegirl.T]

You are an EXPERT, EDUCATOR AND EVERYTHING 🙌💫 Thank you for sharing your journey

[@TanjaMatijevic]

Waoo. I am so glad that I found this podcast. Your humor is like fresh air to me. I am glad that you are also mum like me, so I can connect more with you and your experiences.

[@AizaV333]

And honestly from my experience it seems most men aren’t actually satisfied with their orgasms and sexual experience either they just don’t speak of it as much or think this is it and they don’t expect more. It’s good to see that we are getting out of stigmas for everyone involved .

[@vernonharris3481]

I really like this video on the karma sutra and it was on point. Hope you cover Tantra just as deeply. Thank you ☯️🙏

[@habibahas13]

This is so refreshing & complimentary to the Jazzoetry that I've written & write💖💥😏 Too often individuals have closed themselves off to certain aspects of Our existence ... I've literally asked a few if they were actually test tube babies! It's a joy to embrace hidden fascination💫

[@Servant_of_1111]

This is AMAZING!!! Imbibed the essence of the holy scripture. 🥰🙏🔱

[@triptijain35]

Girl absolute banger episode!!!

[@MsMizz1]

👏🏾 I’ve been interested in kama sutra for years from the moment I was exposed to it. I always knew though not doing much reading that pleasure was the focus and not climax and that drew me. Seema is a vibe!! I love a courageous boldly feminine woman. She just seems complete if that makes sense. Great guest Shan ❤ still waiting on a sexual astrology episode 😊

[@marianacarrilho1153]

Amazing, precious, incredible knowledge shared! I love your podcast and this episode is mind blowing! About translating what may sound “woo woo” (somehow a word used in a pejorative way), I personally believe that the Western world loses so much trying to understand everything through their lenses of what knowledge is, through literalism and through what is believed by them to be facts and clarity. Fiction is a very valuable way of producing knowledge and it may get you faster to your goal/destination than knowing the name of your parts or seeing the exact movement you should do in a video with the scientifically proven reasons of why it works - as we can all acknowledge just by listening to this woman. It would be better if people gave the “woo-woo” more credit instead of using/understanding only what’s convenient, trying to always pass other cultures through a certain prisma of knowledge validation.

[@carlacorsini7766]

It is my experience that sexual energy is spiritual energy and that if a person or a couple wants to keep the sexual-spiritual fires stoked they would attempt to avoid orgasm at all costs. Orgasm just drains and dissipates the energy and returns a couple to the state of separation. This js why people are typically disinterested in even being touched after orgasm and typically just want to roll over and go to sleep. It seems (in the tantric tradition) the point of sex is to continually build connection and pleasure. Weird that in modern culture we have become fixated on the drainage part.

[@ninagarcia7929]

Wow!

[@belindaat35]

This episode is amazing and fascinating, I liked it several minutes in 🙏🏾❤️ Thank you 🙏🏾❤

[@whitease7404]

I loved everything about this, such wise words from beautiful souls. Thank you!

[@kunikopanda]

This is one of the best episodes to date. Purely educational and thought provoking🥰 My lesson was to sloooowww doooowwwn, and take the time to find and enjoy pleasure.

[@marcalampi5036]

Yes nice and slow for a very long time

[@Mr.Edwards233]

​@@marcalampi5036Unfortunately we've been taught to pound, get a nut, move on. True Pleasure has not been taught and very misconstrued.

[@magdalena3328]

Thank You both, amazing podcast. I am absolutely delighted ❤❤

[@andrehopeadefranco]

I am definitely starting to see how narratives are controlling. Thank you for the clarification 💗

[@m.w.njoroge7438]

Get that edumacation, sis!📚👩🏾‍🎓🏆Your journey to obtain subject expertise is incredibly inspiring!🤩 So glad to have found your channel!🤔💻📺🔍💡😍🌻

[@saphire2214]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode!❤

[@AuroraVillanuevaa]

Congratulations on your educational achievements!!

[@kcnnanna]

Loved this! The writer was even trying to change the narrative even then.

[@stacycakes11]

Beautiful. You said something that hit home about women saying how well never understand vaginal orgasm as if that means something off with me not being able to have that experience. There’s no way to measure to compare in women. That woman I follow really warped my gratitude around my own orgasms. Thank you love 💚🙏🏼

[@ab-jc8nv]

Hey u do meditation?

[@shehwarali4745]

Loved it. What an informative podcast it is!! Kudos.

[@ra4207]

Wow I just finished this episode! Amazing!!!

[@SomethingNewAMBW]

i absolutely love seema. a lot of the things resonates so much being I'm a very sensual, sexual, and intimate person. I absolutely LOVE these kinds of conversations.

[@tamararodriguez4413]

Some of the things mentioned I learned by trial and error... but Oh Man.. the way my brain just exploded with the enlightening of this episode‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@lisasims3970]

this is so so so good....im still at the beginning wen she's talking abt sex being the area where u feel like ur lacking...then u start to lose interest..im just smiling with resonance. thanks shan.

[@scherrieanita]

Congratulations on completing your program, Shan! I know it's early, but sending you good vibes for the final laps 🎉🙌🏾

[@priscillasuarez1541]

Amazing storytelling! But I am commenting because Shan shoots her shot at Seema at the end 😂 watch the whole video

[@mannypedib]

The sharing food advice is so sweet.

[@Marrowd]

Such an excellent episode! And I totally have crush on Ms. Seema! 🥰💜💜💜

[@ayanayasmine5934]

54:49 I’ve been watching you for 7 years now. You have opened my eyes to the richness relationships, sex, and self expression can have. Thank you Shan❤

[@loversandfriendspodcast]

Ayanaaaaaaaa thank you thank you my love

[@bashirudada486]

​@@loversandfriendspodcasthey babe what have you been up to lately ? Is penis enlargement medicine real? Is there anything like penis enlargement medicine? I mean like tablets🎉, pills and lube?

[@armandomachadocastro]

I love the story that Seema brings up

[@rosamoreno4794]

Added the book to my Amazon wish list.

[@fionaodak2583]

I love this Shan!!I acquired new info for sure,thanks!!Very interesting

[@blinzy7282]

Why don't they talk about how birth control or other medications can also be a cause of diminished sex drive? Many people don't realize these can have a "HUGE IMPACT" on sexual desire and what is attractive in a partner too. Some medications can almost remove a man's sex drive too. Especially physiological medications.

[@EricaYE6]

Thank you, beautiful ladies. I learned so much. This was so interesting! 💜💜💜

[@bw-g2539]

This is incredible! Thank you for this 🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@gigimae5032]

Such a gorgeous fine wine woman. Excellent interview. Read the Karma Sutra w/boyfriend in Highschool from library. 66 now.

[@ErikRothFfM]

Dear Seema Anand - Dear Shan Boodram: Thank you very much. ❤🌿🔥🍀🌒🌕🌘🍀🔥🌿❤ Namasté, Blessed Be. Merry Meet.

[@jackm2293]

this needs time stamps.

[@amberpalmer3708]

You look stunning Shan ☺️!!

[@lamarrf9273]

Great interview, BTW you are both Extremely beautiful🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@camillebelcon8811]

53:03 It might be inappropriate Shan but... I GET it

[@sherylhokianga3]

A Really Interesting Conversation!..ThankU!..I Learnt Something! lol

[@ingrid8313]

This brought absolute tears to my eyes!

[@Welshrighz]

☀️Seema is awesome ☀️

[@kirskirs2219]

This episode was soooo amazing!, That story at the end was hot!

[@bwoodzjjb]

She has an aura! Great convo

[@yeahumok]

this was so good and insightful ❤

[@Tvaleriya]

loved this one!!! bring her on again as a guest!

[@miketrotman9720]

Superstoked to see Esther Perel in there. Love her. Congrats on your journey, Shannon.

[@kalpanabhat3513]

Super fantastic information . You knowledge is very powerful . Thanks for sharing

[@Msdulce]

What a great episode! Sharing with my friends!

[@TheRealLeciM]

Not me handing my man a pack of cards and telling him to show me a magic trick?! 😂

[@LovingLifeNowNoMatterWhat]

This is so relevant & important 12:17

[@MargaretAcker-n3n]

watching from Bangladesh and loved it thoroughly

[@praveenrajur1639]

The great episode all time evergreen

[@MaisWay]

I'm ready to read it now. This was so informative

[@waltergoodwinv4126]

I like this episode keep doing what you are doing

[@yvonneharmon4320]

Game changer!!! Thank you!

[@CelineAdobea]

This is an experience to watch!! I’m already feeling more sensual and alive and excited to take my sexuality to new depths 🔥

[@jerseyluv6056]

I literally want your reading list…and I haven’t even watched this while video yet! Let me go do that 🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽