Ratishastra

The Ratishastra (spouse love) was written by an unknown author in 16 AD in India. The work treats the aspects of conjugal love in 272 verses. Literally Rati means (love through) copulating and Shastra means teaching . The word Ratishastra denotes the traditional teachings of conjugal love .

The work

In Kamashastra (works of erotic love such as the Kama Sutra or Ananga Ranga ) instructions and techniques for achieving sexual fulfillment are given. Together with the traditional Brahmin teachings Samudrikashastra , Dharmashastra and Vaidyakashastra , the aspects of family life according to Indian tradition are covered. This information is important to give spouses security for their family life. However, it is difficult for young people to understand the important aspects such as B. to find partner choice and partnership in the various teachings.

The Ratishastra was written in the style of Itihasa in the form of a dialogue between the god Shiva and his wife Parvati . The text is intended to give young couples important information on how to live together. To this end, the Ratishastra brings together the necessary aspects from the four traditional Indian teachings. Ratishastra is therefore also a further development of the written tradition of the Kamashastra works. One focus is on describing the different types of men and women and on finding and choosing a spouse for the creation of offspring. The Ratishastra also instructs in ethical matters such as B. the right married life, in which the mutual respect of the spouses is essential.

expenditure

• Kenneth G. Zysk: Conjugal Love in India: Ratisastra and Ratiramana. Text, Translation, and Notes . Brill Academic Publishers, Leiden 2004, ISBN 90-04-12598-1 (English, Sanskrit).