Vātsyāyana
Ancient Indian philosopher, renowned for authoring the seminal Kama Sutra.
Chronology: 500 – 500
Origins & Early Life
Mallanāga Vātsyāyana (Sanskrit : वात्स्यायन) was an ancient Indian philosopher, known for authoring the Kama Sutra. He lived in India during the second or third century CE, probably in Pataliputra (modern day Patna in Bihar). He is not to be confused with Pakṣilasvāmin Vātsyāyana, the author of Nyāya Sutra Bhāshya, the first preserved commentary on Gotama's Nyāya Sutras. == Biography == Basudeva Vatsayana was the father of Mallanaga Vatsayana.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Vātsyāyana's interest in refined human love, including sexual behavior, as a means of fulfillment, was recorded in his treatise Kama Sutra. Mallanaga Vatsayana's key disciple and son was Achutya Vatsayana, whose son was Kalyana Vatsayana who was mentored by his own grandsire Mallanaga Vatsayana. At the close of the Kama Sutra, this is what he writes about himself: After reading and considering the works of Babhravya and other ancient authors, and thinking over the meaning of the rules given by them, this treatise was composed, according to the precepts of the Holy Writ, for the benefit of the world, by Vatsyayana, while leading the life of a religious student at Benares, and wholly engaged in the contemplation of the Deity. This work is not...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia