Psychological Explorations in Kāmaśāstra: A Study of Desire, Emotion, and Cognition

Abstract

This paper delves into the psychological dimensions of the Kāmaśāstra, exploring its profound insights into human desire, emotion, and cognition. While modern psychology is an academic import, the Indian contemplative tradition encapsulates the "science of the mind," emphasizing the spiritual and holistic aspects of human existence. The Kāmaśāstra, a classical treatise on human desires, underscores the interconnectedness of the caturvarga dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa and its relevance to mental well-being. By examining the psychological interpretations of the 64 arts, regional tendencies of heroines, and the impact of kāma on mental equilibrium, this paper presents a nuanced understanding of the mind's role in shaping human behavior and fulfillment.