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The 57th chapter. Having risen in the morning, Gunamala approached the sage with humility and said, "May you be awakened in all branches of knowledge, including the branch of love." ||18||
"I have diligently studied the scriptures of Dharma, Artha, and Kama. Of these, the fruits of the branches of Dharma and Artha are determined by the Kama Shastra." ||19||
"How is that?" Gunamala asked. "I will explain," said the sage. "There are five senses, and their objects are also fivefold." ||20||
"The eight types of touch, beginning with rough, are described in the scriptures. The wise have said that there are six types of taste, beginning with sweet. Smell is of two types: natural and artificial. All things, whether animate or inanimate, have a smell, either pleasant or unpleasant." ||622||
"There are five types of form, distinguished by white, black, etc. There are seven types of musical notes, beginning with Sa, which are produced by the interaction of the soul and non-soul." ||623||
"Thus, there are twenty-eight objects of the five senses. Each of these has two variations, desirable and undesirable, making a total of fifty-six." ||624||
"The desirable objects are attained by those who perform virtuous deeds. Virtue is attained through Dharma, and Dharma is defined as the renunciation of forbidden objects." ||625||
"Therefore, wise people renounce forbidden objects and experience the remaining objects. Those who do this are considered to be knowledgeable in the Kama Shastra." ||626||
"There are some flaws in the objects you experience," said the sage. Hearing this, Gunamala said, "Please teach me how to overcome these flaws. I will become your disciple." The sage then taught Gunamala the arts and made her proficient in them. ||627-628||
One day, they all went to the forest to wander. While sitting in a secluded place with Gunamala, the sage revealed his true form. Seeing this, the girl was filled with doubt and sat silently, blushing. Seeing this, the sage quickly reassured her by telling ancient stories related to fragrant powders. ||629-631||
Then, he resumed his former form and sat on a bed of flowers. He said to Gunamala, "Come, let us walk together." ||632||