Vātsyāyana's interest in refined human, including sexual, behavior as a means of fulfilment, was recorded in his treatise Kama Sutra.

At the close of the Kama Sutra this is what he writes about himself: After reading and considering the works of Babhravya and other ancient authors, and thinking over the meaning of the rules given by them, this treatise was composed, according to the precepts of the Holy Writ, for the benefit of the world, by Vatsyayana, while leading the life of a religious student at Benares, and wholly engaged in the contemplation of the Deity.

A person acquainted with the true principles of this science, who preserves his Dharma (virtue or religious merit), his Artha (worldly wealth) and his Kama (pleasure or sensual gratification), and who has regard to the customs of the people, is sure to obtain the mastery over his senses.

Vatsyayana quotes this case to warn people of the danger arising from some old customs of striking women when under the influence of sexual passion.

On the other hand, another author, Varahamihira, in the eighteenth chapter of his "Brihatsanhita", discusses of the science of love, and appears to have borrowed largely from Vatsyayana on the subject.