The art of desire is not limited to just enjoyment or lust. There are many misconceptions about it. What do Indian scriptures, astrology, and modern science say about it? Let's know

Art of Love: In Indian culture, 'kaam' is not just lust or physical desire. It is included in the four purusharthas...dharma, artha, 'kaam', and moksha. It means that 'kaam' is the balance of life which is necessary for happiness and continuity of creation.

In the scriptures, it has sometimes been described as art, sometimes as sin and sometimes as a medium of spiritual practice. Astrology calls it the play of planets and modern science considers it the energy of mental-physical health and creativity.

Kama Sutra: One of the 64 arts of life

Vatsyayana's 'Kama Sutra' is often considered to be only a book of physical postures, whereas the truth is that it is a description of the art of 'Kama', one of the 64 arts of life. 

It is said that 'kaam' is not only the pleasure of the body, but it is also the name of the art of conversation, music, aesthetic sense, fragrance, clothes and ornaments, understanding of emotions and mutual harmony. Vatsyayana says that the art of 'kaam' is the beauty of life. It is not just enjoyment, but the balance of soul and mind.

What do the Upanishads and the Gita say?

According to Kathopanishad, Indriyaani Rathasya Ashwa, Manah Sarathi, that is, the senses are the horses of the chariot and the mind is the charioteer. If the charioteer is patient then the chariot will give a successful direction to life, if not then downfall is certain.

In the Gita (3/37) Lord Krishna says that ' kaam esha krodh esha rajogunasamudbhavah'. That is, 'kaam' is the cause of anger, attachment and destruction. Therefore, the message of the Gita is to control 'kaam' and move towards religion and salvation, otherwise it will become a bond.

Deep secrets hidden in Puranas and Mahabharata too

Indra fell into the trap of 'lust' in the Ahalya incident. Vishwamitra broke his penance due to Menaka's attraction. Shiva set an example of restraint by burning 'Kama'dev.

In Ramayana, Ravana's lust was the cause of his destruction. It is clear from these stories that the power of 'kaam' is so strong that even gods, demons and sages can be affected by it.

From 'work' to salvation

The view of the Tantra tradition is different. Here, instead of suppressing 'kaam', it is considered a medium of sadhana. According to the 'kaam' art of Tantra, when a man and a woman meet in the form of Shiva-Shakti, it is not just a physical experience but an experience of cosmic energy. This is the reason why 'kaam' is called the bridge to salvation in the path of Tantra.

What is the relation of astrology with the art of 'Kama'?

The main planets associated with 'kaam' in the horoscope are Venus, Mars, Rahu and Ketu. This is the reason why the auspicious and inauspicious position of these planets is checked first during horoscope matching before marriage.

• Venus: The factor of love, attraction, beauty and art. If it is strong, then the person becomes attractive and artistic, if it is weak, then it brings perversion and indiscipline.
• Mars: Symbol of energy and impulse. In auspicious position, it gives marital happiness and courage, in inauspicious position, brings violence and imbalance in relationships.
• Rahu: Indicator of illusion and taboo. It can push towards abnormal relationships and addiction.
• Ketu: The factor of detachment and renunciation. It transforms 'kaam' into renunciation and spirituality.

Astrology clearly states that 'kaam' is not just a personal desire, but is also a result of the influence of planets, which deeply affect love life. The auspicious and inauspicious position of planets has a wide impact on married life.

Context and learning

There are many such incidents in Indian scriptures that show the power of 'kaam' and its consequences. Many such examples can be seen in mythological scriptures such as-

• Shiva and 'Kaamdev' - 'Kaamdev' tried to disturb Shiva's meditation and was reduced to ashes.
• Arjun and Urvashi – Urvashi tried to seduce Arjun, but Arjun showed restraint by giving her the status of a mother.
• Ravana and Sita – Ravana's lust pushed him towards destruction.

These incidents tell us that 'kaam' (lust) power can disturb even the gods, but if controlled, it becomes self-power. Modern science and research also seem to be very serious about this subject. From time to time, the research and thoughts of scholars on this subject have been surprising.

Psychology

Sigmund Freud said that libido is the basic motivation of all human activities. It is the root of the development of art, science, and even society. Repressed lust can lead to crime and depression, while a balanced approach transforms it into creativity and pleasure.

Neuroscience

Scientific research shows that hormones like dopamine, oxytocin and testosterone control the 'kaam' feeling. Meditation and yoga balance these hormones. That is why yoga and pranayam are considered the best way to control the 'kaam' energy.

Health

Modern medicine believes that a balanced sex life reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and gives longevity. Uncontrolled or perverted 'kama'nas lead to diseases, mental instability and crime.

Sociology

Sociologists believe that suppressed desires lead to anti-social activities, violence and crime. Whereas education and awareness transform 'kaam' into art, creativity and love.

'Kaam' energy manifests in three forms

1. If it is limited only to enjoyment then it leads to downfall.
2. If it turns into attachment and obsession, it becomes bondage.
3. If it is practiced as an art and sadhana, then it is a means of liberation and spiritual progress.

According to Shastra, Jyotish and Science, the art of 'Kama' is a deep and mysterious power. It is not just enjoyment, but the beauty of life and cosmic energy. 

Within restraint and limits, it is the bridge to bliss and liberation, but if uncontrolled, it becomes the cause of downfall and destruction. This is the eternal message of the art of 'Kama'. Do not suppress 'Kama', master it and turn it into art.