The Kamasutra, attributed to Vātsyāyana, is one of the most influential ancient Indian texts on love, pleasure, and human intimacy. Contrary to the popular perception that it is merely a catalogue of sexual positions, the Kamasutra is a sophisticated treatise on relationships, emotional connection, and the art of living harmoniously with desire. Within its detailed framework, it outlines various postures and practices that help couples enhance intimacy, both physically and emotionally.

Among these positions is the “Crying Out Position” (sometimes referred to in different translations as a posture associated with heightened arousal and vocal expression). It is not simply a physical arrangement but an embodiment of passion, intensity, and surrender—where pleasure reaches such levels that verbal and non-verbal expressions (“crying out”) become natural.

This article offers an in-depth exploration of the Crying Out Position in the Kamasutra, its meaning, execution, emotional undertones, symbolic significance, cultural context, variations, psychological aspects, and its relevance for modern couples.

Historical and Cultural Context

To appreciate the Crying Out Position, one must understand the cultural backdrop of the Kamasutra.

The Kamasutra’s Perspective:
The text does not reduce intimacy to physical mechanics; instead, it integrates emotional bonding, sensuality, playfulness, and spiritual transcendence. The Crying Out Position appears in the section where positions are described based on intensity, passion, and physical dynamics between lovers.

Voice as a Symbol of Pleasure:
In ancient Indian thought, vocal expression—moans, sighs, cries—was seen as a natural release of energy (prāṇa). Crying out during lovemaking was not considered shameful; rather, it was a sign of deep immersion in desire and union.

Gender Dynamics:
The Kamasutra recognizes that women often express themselves more vocally in intimate moments. The Crying Out Position acknowledges and encourages this, emphasizing the value of listening and responding to the partner’s natural vocal cues.

The Physical Description of the Crying Out Position

The Crying Out Position is a passionate posture that encourages closeness and vocal expression. Though different translations describe it with slight variations, the essence remains:

Setup:

• The woman lies on her back, legs slightly apart or lifted depending on comfort.
• The man mounts her in a way that allows deep penetration.

Distinctive Features:

• The posture is intense and stimulating, often leading to involuntary vocal expression—moaning, sighing, even crying out.
• The position encourages rhythm, thrust, and body contact that stimulate heightened pleasure.

Why “Crying Out”?

Because of the depth, rhythm, and emotional surge, this position naturally elicits vocal reactions.

The cries are not of pain but of ecstasy, release, and passion.

Symbolism of the Crying Out Position

The name itself is symbolic:

Voice as Liberation: Crying out represents the release of inhibition. Lovers are free to express their joy without suppression.

Surrender and Abandon: The position symbolizes the woman surrendering to sensation, and the man delighting in being the cause of such expression.

Mutual Arousal: The partner’s vocal responses act as feedback, enhancing the other’s pleasure. The sound becomes part of the erotic dance.

Step-by-Step Execution

While intimacy should always flow naturally, the Crying Out Position can be explored in these stages:

Preparation:

• Create a safe, comfortable, private environment.
• Ensure emotional readiness and relaxation.

Entry into the Position:

• The woman reclines on her back comfortably.
• The man positions himself above, supporting his weight carefully.

Movement and Rhythm:

• The thrusts can be varied—slow, deep, or rapid—depending on mutual desire.
• Adjust angles by lifting legs or tilting the pelvis to intensify stimulation.

Encouragement of Expression:

• Allow natural vocalization without embarrassment.
• The man can listen, respond, and synchronize with the cries, creating a feedback loop.

Emotional and Psychological Dimensions

The Crying Out Position is as much about psychology as physiology.

Cathartic Release: Crying out is emotionally liberating, dissolving stress and creating intimacy.

Affirmation of Desire: When one partner cries out, it affirms the other’s ability to give pleasure.

Mutual Vulnerability: Vocal expression makes one vulnerable. Sharing this vulnerability strengthens emotional intimacy.

Health and Energetic Benefits

According to the Kamasutra and Ayurvedic philosophy, sexual energy is transformative when expressed with awareness.

Stress Reduction: Vocal expression and physical passion reduce mental tension.

Enhanced Bonding Hormones: Orgasms accompanied by sound stimulate oxytocin and endorphins, deepening love.

Improved Communication: Listening to vocal cues teaches partners to be more attuned to each other’s needs.

Variations of the Crying Out Position

The text encourages experimentation and adaptation. Variations include:

Legs Raised Variation:

• The woman raises her legs onto the man’s shoulders, increasing intensity.
• This often elicits stronger cries due to deeper stimulation.

Side-Angle Variation:

• Slight shifting of hips to the side creates new sensations.
• Useful for couples seeking novelty while retaining closeness.

Embrace Variation:

Both partners entwine arms and legs, combining cries with whispered words of affection.

Symbolic Role in the Kamasutra’s Philosophy

The Crying Out Position embodies the Kamasutra’s overarching philosophy:

Love as Play: Intimacy is not mechanical but playful, where sounds, movements, and emotions become part of the game.

Union Beyond the Body: The cries are the voice of the soul, expressing unity beyond mere physical contact.

Celebration of Desire: Rather than suppressing desire, the text celebrates its full expression.

Gender Dynamics and Empowerment

The position particularly highlights female expression:

Women’s Voices: In many cultures, women were discouraged from expressing pleasure vocally. The Kamasutra defies this by celebrating the woman’s cry as central.

Men’s Role: Men are encouraged to pay attention and adjust their rhythm based on the woman’s vocal responses. This makes intimacy more mutual rather than one-sided.

The Role of Sound in Lovemaking

Sound is a crucial component of erotic intimacy:

Primal Expression: Crying out is instinctive and connects couples to primal instincts.

Feedback Mechanism: Sounds inform the partner about intensity, comfort, and arousal levels.

Erotic Enhancement: Many people find their partner’s moans highly arousing, adding to the experience.

Ethical and Emotional Considerations

The Kamasutra repeatedly emphasizes consent, respect, and sensitivity.

Consent: Crying out should never be confused with discomfort. Lovers must ensure that cries are of pleasure, not pain.

Communication: If uncertain, partners should pause and check in.

Respecting Privacy: Since the Crying Out Position often leads to loud vocalization, maintaining privacy is important for couples.

Modern Relevance

In modern times, many couples struggle with inhibition and communication in intimacy. The Crying Out Position offers lessons:

Breaking Inhibitions: Encourages couples to let go of shame around expressing pleasure vocally.

Improved Intimacy: Couples can bond more deeply by learning to listen and respond.

Therapeutic Benefits: Can help those who find it hard to express emotions in daily life.

Common Misunderstandings

Not About Pain: Some assume “crying out” means suffering. In reality, it symbolizes ecstasy.

Not Limited to Women: Men too may vocalize in this position, though the text highlights women more.

Not Just Physical: It is as much about emotional release as bodily pleasure.

Integrating the Crying Out Position in a Relationship

Practical tips for modern couples:

Build Emotional Safety: Trust is essential before exploring uninhibited expression.

Encourage Vocal Freedom: Reassure each other that vocal expression is welcome.

Experiment with Rhythm: Try variations and note which movements elicit natural cries.

Balance Passion with Tenderness: Combine intensity with affectionate gestures—kisses, whispers, caresses.

The Crying Out Position and Spirituality

In Tantric interpretations, vocal sounds during intimacy are seen as mantras of ecstasy.

Union of Body and Spirit: Crying out transforms physical pleasure into spiritual vibration.

Sacred Sound: Just as chants and hymns connect one to divinity, cries during intimacy connect partners to each other’s essence.