The Kamasutra, written by the ancient sage Vatsyayana, is more than just a manual of physical intimacy—it is a profound treatise on love, relationships, pleasure, and the interplay of desire and harmony. One of the many sensual and poetic sexual postures described in this timeless text is the Level Feet Posture, a position that combines symmetry, stability, and balanced sensuality.

In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore the Level Feet Posture in its historical context, its technical execution, its emotional and psychological implications, its connection to the Kamasutra’s overarching philosophies, and its resonance in modern-day sexual expression.

Historical and Philosophical Background

To understand the Level Feet Posture, it’s important to ground it in the Kamasutra’s broader framework.

The Kamasutra’s Purpose

Unlike many modern sexual guides, the Kamasutra does not view intimacy as a purely physical act. Vatsyayana conceptualized lovemaking as one of the essential goals of human life—Kama (pleasure), along with Dharma (virtue) and Artha (prosperity), forms the Trivarga, or the three aims of existence. Sexual positions are therefore not merely for stimulation but serve to enhance love, trust, creativity, and spiritual bonding.

Classification of Postures

The Kamasutra categorizes positions based on body types, temperaments, and mutual desires. Some are dynamic and athletic, others gentle and still. The Level Feet Posture fits into a class of postures that emphasizes equilibrium, intimacy, and clarity of connection.

What Is the Level Feet Posture?

While not always referred to by this exact modern English name, the Level Feet Posture is typically understood as a position where both partners’ feet remain level or grounded during penetration. The term suggests symmetry and evenness—symbolically invoking balance in the relationship.

Description of the Posture

In this posture:

The woman lies on her back with her legs extended downward, flat or slightly apart, with her feet level on the bed or ground.

The man lies on top, in a face-to-face orientation, supporting his weight either on his forearms or knees.

Unlike more acrobatic or contorted postures, the limbs are relaxed, the spinal alignment is natural, and movement is gentle and rhythmic.

This creates a grounded and centered experience. The feet remain “level”—neither lifted, spread unusually wide, nor bent at extreme angles—maintaining a horizontal connection to the Earth.

Physical Technique and Variations

The simplicity of the Level Feet Posture lends itself to several subtle variations that can enhance pleasure or deepen emotional resonance.

Entry and Alignment

Foreplay is crucial. Gentle kissing, stroking, and synchronized breathing allow both partners to center themselves emotionally and physically.

The male partner enters slowly, ensuring alignment between hips.

The woman may slightly bend her knees, keeping feet planted flat, which aids in thrust control and pelvic lift if desired.

Rhythm and Movement

The thrusts should be slow, deep, and synchronized with breath.

This posture encourages eye contact, gentle kissing, and shared emotion.

Partners may pause occasionally to simply breathe together or caress each other’s faces and chests.

Variations

Pillow Support – A pillow under the woman’s hips can alter the angle of penetration, increasing G-spot stimulation.

Locked Legs – The woman may cross her ankles behind the man, adding closeness.

Pelvic Rotation – Subtle circular or rocking motions instead of linear thrusting can make the experience more meditative.

Symbolism and Emotional Significance

The Level Feet Posture is not just a physical alignment—it symbolizes emotional grounding and relational equality.

Emotional Trust

Because of its stillness and intimacy, this posture requires mutual trust. Neither partner is seeking dominance. Instead, there is a mutual surrender to shared pleasure. The eye contact, proximity, and relaxed limbs convey:

• Safety
• Vulnerability
• Nurturing energy
• Spiritual Resonance

In some tantric interpretations, this posture aligns with sattvic energy—calm, pure, harmonious. It is often recommended for post-orgasmic cuddling, slow sexual union, or deep meditative intimacy.

Who Is It Best For?

The Level Feet Posture is ideal for:

Beginners

Its simplicity makes it accessible for couples new to exploring diverse sexual positions. It doesn’t require flexibility or athleticism, just presence.

Emotionally Intimate Partners

Partners in long-term relationships often find this posture refreshing. It allows them to reconnect without distraction or pressure for novelty.

Meditative Lovers

Those who practice slow sex, sensate focus, or tantra appreciate the stillness this posture brings.

Advantages of the Level Feet Posture

Physical Benefits

• Less strain on joints compared to kneeling or suspended positions
• Reduced chance of muscle cramps due to natural alignment
• Gentle angle ideal for relaxed intercourse

Psychological Benefits

• Enhanced intimacy through touch and eye contact
• Better communication, both verbal and non-verbal
• Promotes emotional safety, especially during vulnerable moments

Sexual Benefits

• Ideal for deep, rhythmic thrusting
• Enables mutual pleasure without rushing
• Facilitates orgasmic alignment, particularly for women who enjoy emotional buildup

Potential Challenges and Tips

Despite its simplicity, the posture may need slight adjustments for maximum comfort.

Common Challenges

• Some may find it too static if they seek adventurous motion.
• Partners with significant height or weight differences may need to adjust angles.
• If either partner experiences lower back tension, cushioning may be necessary.

Tips for Enhancement

Use a soft, supportive surface like a memory foam mattress or firm cushions.

Engage in long foreplay—this posture thrives on emotional depth.

Breathe together—synchronized breathing increases shared sensation.

Talk or whisper—verbal connection deepens the experience.

The Role of Imagination and Emotion

In the Kamasutra, imagination and emotional projection are as important as physical mechanics. The Level Feet Posture, with its grounded simplicity, opens a blank canvas upon which the lovers can project fantasy, desire, or dreams.

Visualization

Lovers may imagine:

• Becoming one breath, one heartbeat
• Melting into the Earth, merging their energies
• Flowing as a river, smooth and endless
• This posture is particularly suited for visualization and sensual meditation.

Comparisons with Other Postures

Understanding the uniqueness of this posture becomes easier when compared to others:

Posture Character Emotion Physicality
Level Feet Balanced Intimate Grounded
Suspended Congress Athletic Adventurous High-Effort
Lotus Position Symbolic Spiritual Interlocked
Clasping Close Passionate Moderate Flexibility

The Level Feet Posture serves as a calm harbor amidst more intense or experimental positions.

Integration into Lovemaking Rituals

This posture is perfect when used in the beginning, middle, or end of a lovemaking session.

As a Beginning

Start with soft kissing and explore each other slowly.

Let arousal build naturally before transitioning into motion.

As a Bridge

Use it to cool down from a more energetic position.

It allows for emotional recentering.

As a Culmination

After orgasm, remain in this posture for afterglow bonding.

Embrace, whisper, and hold each other while feet remain grounded.

The Feminine Experience

For women, this posture can be deeply empowering in a subtle way.

There’s no demand to perform acrobatically.

The position allows full surrender without passivity.

When combined with clitoral stimulation or kissing, it becomes rich in pleasure.

Women may experience:

• Increased sensitivity
• Deep vaginal stimulation
• A sense of safety and relaxation, which is crucial for full arousal

The Masculine Experience

For men, this posture encourages:

• Controlled thrusts, building stamina
• Intimate eye contact
• A chance to lead with presence, not force
• The position supports both emotional depth and physical pleasure.

Cultural Echoes and Artistic References

While not always explicitly named, similar postures are depicted in Indian temple sculptures, such as those at Khajuraho and Konark. These scenes often show lovers face-to-face in tender, equal union—feet level, bodies close.

In poetry and classical literature, such postures are described using metaphors:

“Like twin lotuses resting on calm waters,
their breaths mingled, their limbs stilled,
they floated in the stillness of love…”

Modern Interpretations and Mindful Sex

In today’s context, the Level Feet Posture aligns well with:

• Mindful intimacy practices
• Slow sex movements
• Therapeutic sexual healing
• It is recommended by modern therapists to couples dealing with:
• Performance anxiety
• Emotional disconnect
• Fatigue or overstimulation