Vatsyayana was a Hindu philosopher who scholars believe lived in the Second Century AD in India and who is credited as the author of the Kama Sutra.  Little is known of his life, but is believed he helped end the practice of human sacrifice among Himalyan tribes and created the legend of tantric goddess Tara. He describes himself at the end of the Kama Sutra as follows

“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. This work is not to be used merely as an instrument for satisfying our desires. 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. In short, an intelligent and knowing person attending to Dharma and Artha and also to Kama, without becoming the slave of his passions, will obtain success in everything that he may do.”