Lord Buddha, in his profound wisdom, said that for the extinction of human suffering, complete annihilation of desire is the only way. This is the sacred truth of suffering.
Acarya Carvaka, equally profound in his thinking, said that life is a continuous celebration of desire. Kama (desire) and artha (wealth) are the only true goals of life. Beg, steal, or borrow, but live life like a king. Enjoy life as long as one is alive.
Who is correct? Lord Buddha or Acarya Carvaka? What does desire mean to Indian society, religion, and culture through the ages?
The book tries to address these and similar questions objectively and diligently.

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. The Cult of Kama

3.Religion of Pasupati

4. Celebrating Desire

5. Suppression of Desire

6. Fantasy Desire

7. Dance of Desire

8. Myth of Desire: Parakiya Love

9. Ardra: Beauty Desirable

10. Vedic Materialism

11. Wine and Desire

12. Devi: Womb of Creation

Bibliography

Index

M.L. Varadpande is an erudite scholar of international reputation having written more than twenty-five books and won two national awards for literary excellence.