The Kamasutra, the ancient Indian treatise on love and sexuality composed by Vatsyayana, is not merely a manual of sexual positions but a profound philosophy that combines the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of intimacy. Among its lesser-known yet intriguing references is the “Yawning Position”, and by extension, its subtle adaptation—the Variant Yawning Position. Though not elaborated upon in great detail within the original text, interpretations from classical commentaries and modern perspectives have unearthed its symbolic and sensual depth.

The “Yawning” and its variants stand as metaphors of openness, vulnerability, surrender, and ease—elements central to pleasurable and meaningful erotic experience. In this article, we will explore the Variant Yawning Position in the Kamasutra, its technical description, emotional dynamics, symbolic meaning, and relevance in contemporary sensuality.

Understanding the Yawning Motif in the Kamasutra

Symbolic Use of Yawning

In the Kamasutra, many names for positions are metaphorical or poetic. The Yawning motif is one such example. While “yawning” commonly refers to the involuntary action of opening one’s mouth wide, often when tired, in the context of the Kamasutra, it refers to the widening or opening of the limbs, often symbolizing a posture of ease, surrender, and vulnerability.

This metaphor may refer not only to the act of opening the mouth but also to the stretching and relaxing of the body, mimicking a state of pleasurable abandon and receptivity. In this sense, the “Yawning Position” (and its variant) emphasizes comfort, open-bodied intimacy, and relaxation—a contrast to more athletic or acrobatic positions.

The Context Within the Text

Vatsyayana described many positions in groups, starting from the simpler and more natural poses and progressing to more complex ones. The Yawning Position is usually classified among the positions of repose—gentle, emotionally intimate, and particularly suitable for prolonged lovemaking or emotional bonding.

The Variant Yawning Position, then, is not necessarily a dramatic change in form, but a variation in posture, intention, or execution that enhances mutual comfort and heightens emotional resonance.

The Classic Yawning Position: A Brief Overview

To understand the variant, we must first understand the base position. In most interpretations, the Yawning Position refers to a pose where the woman lies on her back, her legs stretched apart, as if in a relaxed, spontaneous gesture—similar to a natural yawn that opens the mouth wide.

• Technical Description:
  The woman lies supine (on her back).
• Her legs are parted wide and possibly bent at the knees.
• The man lies between her thighs and enters from the front.
• The posture is relaxed, unstrained, and fluid.
• It encourages slow, rhythmic, and deeply connected intercourse.
• This position symbolizes an uninhibited expression of desire, free from societal constraint or performance anxiety.

The Variant Yawning Position: Interpretation and Technique

The Variant Yawning Position is an evolved or personalized adaptation of the original yawning posture. It accounts for individual preferences, body types, flexibility, and emotional tone of the encounter.

Technical Description

Base Posture:

• The woman remains on her back.
• Her legs are parted wide, but instead of lying flat, one or both legs may be:
• Lifted and placed over the man’s shoulders.
• Folded at the knees, exposing the groin area more directly.
• Held up by the man or resting on his arms.

Man’s Position:

• He may lean forward or remain upright.
• His body weight is balanced on arms to avoid pressure on the woman.
• His hips align with hers for smooth and rhythmic penetration.
• Arm and Hand Placement:
• The woman may grasp the bedsheets or hold the man’s hands.
• The man may caress the woman’s thighs, sides, or breasts during movement.

Rhythmic Motion:

• The rhythm is steady and moderate.
• Eye contact and emotional synchrony are emphasized.

Emotional and Physical Benefits

Allows deep penetration without strain.

Promotes eye-to-eye intimacy and full-body connection.

The openness of the posture encourages a sense of surrender and trust.

Ideal for expressing love, comfort, and emotional safety.

Emotional Symbolism of the Variant Yawning Position

While physically simple, this position is emotionally profound. Here’s how:

Vulnerability and Trust

The wide open posture mirrors the emotional vulnerability in surrendering oneself to a lover. In this variant, the man becomes both a lover and a protector, while the woman opens herself both physically and spiritually.

Receptivity and Giving

Though the woman is in a receptive posture, she is not passive. Her receptivity is an active form of giving—a willingness to receive love, pleasure, and connection. The man, in turn, is mindfully giving, rather than forcefully taking.

Non-Verbal Communication

The slight modifications in posture allow lovers to respond to each other’s bodies nonverbally—adjusting angles, pace, and pressure without breaking the sensual rhythm.

Enhancing the Variant Yawning Position

Sensual Techniques to Include

Eye Contact:

• Maintains emotional connection.
• Builds anticipation and trust.
• Whispering and Murmuring:
• Talking softly enhances intimacy.
• Compliments or tender expressions can deepen the moment.

Breast and Thigh Caresses:

• Gentle touch across sensitive areas while in motion heightens arousal.
• Kisses on the Neck, Face, and Lips:
• Keeps the upper body involved.
• Brings a layer of romantic affection to the physical act.

Breath Synchronization:

Deep, rhythmic breathing shared between partners helps maintain connection and energy flow.

Suitable Setting

This position thrives in a peaceful, private setting—ideally with soft lighting, soothing music, and a relaxed atmosphere. The sensual energy of this pose does not come from intensity but from comfort, rhythm, and presence.

Compatibility and Adaptability

For First-Time Lovers

The Variant Yawning Position is ideal for beginners as it:

• Reduces performance pressure.
• Encourages openness and communication.
• Helps build trust early in the relationship.

For Long-Term Partners

For couples with history and understanding, this position offers:

• A way to slow down and reconnect.
• An opportunity to explore emotions often overlooked during routine sex.
• Comfort for those with physical limitations or fatigue.

Variations Based on Physical Ability

For partners with different body sizes or flexibility levels:

• Cushions can support the lower back or under the hips.
• The man can kneel instead of lie over.
• The woman may use a wedge to elevate her pelvis for easier access.

Comparison with Other Positions

Compared to the Missionary Position

Both involve frontal contact.

The Variant Yawning is more expansive and open, encouraging deeper access and more movement.

Emotionally more expressive due to its open posture.

Compared to Coital Positions like “The Splitting of a Bamboo”

Less acrobatic and more intimate.

Focuses on ease and depth, not novelty or experimentation.

Ideal for emotional reconnection.

Philosophical Interpretations

The Openness of the Yawn

Just as a yawn is uncontrolled, involuntary, and revealing, the Variant Yawning Position can be seen as a metaphor for unfiltered intimacy. It represents:

• A breakdown of barriers.
• The courage to be seen and held.
• The act of baring the self in erotic trust.

Feminine Energy and Expression

In Tantra and classical Indian eroticism, Shakti (feminine energy) is creative, open, and flowing. This posture embodies Shakti in her receptive yet empowered state—inviting union, not submission.

Male Role as Protector and Energizer

The masculine energy (Shiva) complements this with stillness, focus, and intention. In this pose, the man does not dominate but rather channels his presence into grounding and energizing the woman, completing the duality of sacred union.

Psychological and Therapeutic Benefits

Modern sex therapy and somatic practices emphasize the importance of:

• Safety in intimacy
• Relaxed nervous system
• Slowness and attentiveness

The Variant Yawning Position checks all these boxes. It fosters:

• Deep nervous system regulation (calmness, connection).
• Enhanced oxytocin release (the bonding hormone).
• Emotional vulnerability without fear.

The Position as a Form of Erotic Meditation

This position lends itself beautifully to erotic mindfulness:

• Each breath, stroke, and gaze becomes a meditation.
• Lovers become fully present—not chasing orgasm but bathing in sensation.
• Ideal for Tantric sessions or spiritual intimacy explorations.