The Kamasutra, composed by Vātsyāyana, remains one of the world’s most celebrated classical texts on love, intimacy, and erotic philosophy. Far beyond being a mere catalogue of positions, it is a manual of human connection, sensual expression, and the balance of pleasure between partners. Within its vast repertoire, every posture and embrace carries symbolic, physical, and emotional meaning.

Among the many positions described, one that stands out for its elegance and depth is the “Accomplishing Position.” This posture is not just about physical intimacy but about achieving harmony, fulfillment, and balance in the act of love. The very name “accomplishing” suggests completion, mastery, and success — themes that extend beyond the physical union and into the realms of emotional satisfaction and spiritual connection.

This article explores the Accomplishing Position in detail — its origins, execution, variations, psychological dimensions, symbolic meanings, and modern relevance.

Understanding the Concept of the Accomplishing Position

The Accomplishing Position (sometimes referred to in Sanskrit as a form of Siddhi or completion posture) is designed to create a sense of union that is both balanced and deeply satisfying. Unlike some postures that emphasize novelty, athleticism, or raw passion, this position highlights stability, closeness, and mutual fulfillment.

The core essence of this position lies in:

Alignment of bodies: The lovers are placed in a way that both comfort and intimacy coexist.

Sustained connection: The posture allows prolonged lovemaking without undue strain.

Shared rhythm: Both partners can participate actively, creating harmony.

Symbolism of accomplishment: It represents a culmination — the fulfillment of desire, the peak of connection, and a metaphorical achievement of unity.

How the Accomplishing Position is Practiced

While different translations and interpretations describe it with slight variations, the general structure is as follows:

Basic Form:

• The male partner sits upright, legs either outstretched or slightly bent at the knees for support.
• The female partner sits facing him, straddling his lap.
• She lowers herself onto him, wrapping her legs around his waist or resting them on either side for stability.

Posture and Support:

• The woman often rests her hands on his shoulders or embraces him.
• The man may support her by holding her hips or waist, allowing for gentle movement.
• Their chests are close, permitting deep eye contact, kissing, or whispering.

Movement:

• The rhythm is slow, steady, and synchronized.
• Unlike vigorous positions, this one emphasizes gradual build-up and sustained pleasure.

Completion Aspect:

Because of the closeness of bodies and faces, it allows for climax to be shared or coordinated, leading to the sense of “accomplishment.”

Symbolic Dimensions of the Position

The Accomplishing Position is rich in symbolism, extending beyond the act itself.

Union of Masculine and Feminine Energies: Sitting face-to-face with close embrace symbolizes harmony between Shiva and Shakti, the divine masculine and feminine.

Balance and Equality: Both partners are equally engaged, unlike postures where one dominates.

Achievement and Fulfillment: The very term “accomplishing” signifies the culmination of effort, the reaching of goals, and the enjoyment of the fruits of intimacy.

Spiritual Parallel: In Tantric traditions, such postures are seen as microcosms of cosmic union, where lovers mirror the merging of the self with the divine.

Physical Benefits of the Accomplishing Position

Beyond pleasure, the position also offers several physical benefits:

Comfort and Endurance:

• Both partners can sustain this position longer since it provides support through sitting.
• Reduces strain on the back and knees compared to more acrobatic postures.

Deep Penetration with Control:

• The upright posture allows variation in depth and angle.
• The woman often has more control over rhythm and intensity.

Increased Intimacy:

• Eye contact, kissing, and closeness are maximized.
• Heart-to-heart alignment deepens emotional connection.

Strength and Flexibility:

• Strengthens core and thigh muscles, particularly for the woman.
• The man benefits from improved posture and hip flexibility.

Psychological and Emotional Aspects

The Accomplishing Position is as much psychological as physical.

Mutual Accomplishment: Both partners feel they are equally contributing to the lovemaking.

Emotional Safety: The closeness promotes feelings of safety, vulnerability, and trust.

Passionate Communication: Because partners are face-to-face, verbal and non-verbal cues flow effortlessly.

Shared Climax: Coordinated orgasms are easier, enhancing the sense of completion together.

Variations of the Accomplishing Position

Like many postures in the Kamasutra, the Accomplishing Position has variations to suit different moods, desires, and levels of flexibility.

Legs Wrapped Variation:

The woman tightly encircles the man’s waist with her legs, creating an intense closeness.

Reclined Accomplishing:

The man leans back slightly, supported by cushions.

The woman still straddles him but has greater freedom of movement.

Standing Accomplishing:

With strength, the man can stand while holding the woman straddling him.

This is more strenuous but heightens passion and spontaneity.

Side-Tilt Accomplishing:

Both lean slightly to one side, creating a new angle of penetration and different sensations.

Each variation maintains the theme of intimacy, balance, and fulfillment.

The Role of Breath and Rhythm

Breath plays a crucial role in the Accomplishing Position. Ancient erotic practices emphasized synchronizing breathing to enhance energy flow.

Slow Breathing: Deep inhalations and exhalations calm the body and prolong endurance.

Shared Breaths: Breathing in unison fosters connection, like two bodies becoming one rhythm.

Tantric Breathing: In tantric practice, breath is consciously directed upward, intensifying climax and spiritual union.

Accomplishing Position in the Context of the Kamasutra

Within the Kamasutra, this posture belongs to the broader category of embracing and seated positions. It bridges the gap between passion and tranquility.

It contrasts with vigorous positions like the splitting of a bamboo or suspended congress, which demand energy and acrobatics.

It resonates more with contemplative positions like the lotus or twining, where intimacy is deepened by stillness.

Its importance lies in being accessible, universal, and symbolic of completeness.

Modern Interpretations and Relevance

In today’s world, where relationships are often rushed, the Accomplishing Position holds renewed importance.

Promotes Mindfulness: It forces partners to slow down and focus on the present.

Counter to Performance Pressure: Instead of focusing on athletic feats, it emphasizes connection.

Inclusive: It is suitable for most body types and ages, unlike more demanding postures.

Therapeutic Value: Used in modern sex therapy as a position that promotes closeness and reduces anxiety.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Balance Issues:

Solution: Use cushions or sit on a firm surface for stability.

Discomfort from Prolonged Sitting:

Solution: Shift weight, change angles, or transition into a reclined version.

Lack of Rhythm Coordination:

Solution: Use eye contact, gentle guidance, or synchronized breathing to align movements.

Cultural and Artistic Representations

The Accomplishing Position has been represented in:

Erotic temple carvings: Ancient Indian temples like Khajuraho depict similar seated, face-to-face postures.

Tantric art: Paintings of Shiva and Shakti often show them in union postures similar to this.

Literary metaphors: In Sanskrit poetry, “accomplishment” often describes the culmination of love, symbolized in such intimate positions.

Step-by-Step Guide for Practitioners

For couples wishing to try this position:

Choose a comfortable, quiet environment with soft cushions or a bed.

The male partner sits upright with relaxed posture.

The female partner gently straddles, facing him.

Establish eye contact and embrace to build intimacy.

Begin with gentle, slow movements; focus on breath and synchronization.

Explore variations by adjusting leg positions, reclining slightly, or adding kissing and caressing.

Move toward a shared climax with communication and awareness.

Symbol of Relationship Success

In the broader metaphorical sense, the Accomplishing Position represents:

Balance in partnership: Both partners contribute equally.

Fulfillment of desire: Love and passion find their completion.

Harmony in duality: Like yin and yang, male and female energies merge seamlessly.

Achievement of unity: Not just physical union but the sense of being accomplished together.