The Purpose of Life

Table of Contents

• Summary
• Purushartha
• Dharma: The path of Duty & Righteousness
• Artha: The Pursuit of Prosperity and Wealth
• Kama: The pursuit of Desire
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of Birth & Death

Summary

In the rich traditions of Indian philosophy and culture, there exist four fundamental pursuits of life known as the “Purusharthas”, which are the keys to learn the purpose of life. These ancient principles serve as a guide to living a fulfilling and balanced life.

Purushartha

Purushartha (purush – can refer to a man or in this case human; artha – refers to meaning or goal or purpose in this context) is Sanskrit word that means “goals or purpose of human life”

Dharma: The path of Duty & Righteousness

Dharma is the first Purushartha, and it encompasses the concept of duty, righteousness, and moral values. It is the moral compass that guides individuals in making ethical decisions in all their affairs. Dharma simply means – Doing the Right Thing!

Examples of Dharma in everyday life include:

1. Family Responsibilities: Fulfilling one’s roles and responsibilities within the family, such as caring for parents and elders, raising children and supporting one’s wider community.
2. Work Ethic: Conducting oneself with honesty, and integrity in the workplace, adhering to professional ethics. These values are considered the primary assets to any profession along with professional excellence.
3. Environmental Responsibility: Practicing ecologically friendly habits to fulfill our duty to protect nature – in this to be grateful to nature for the abundance it provides and preserve and protect resources, respectfully, for now and the future.

Artha: The Pursuit of Prosperity and Wealth

Artha represents the pursuit of material well-being, wealth, and economic prosperity. It emphasizes the importance of financial stability and security – since out of abundance comes generosity for the community as well. In a nutshell, artha is about Earning & Saving Money and helping others too.

Here are some examples of Artha:

1. Career Advancement: Striving for success in one’s career to achieve financial stability and support a comfortable lifestyle.
2. Investment and Savings: Managing finances wisely, saving for the future, and making prudent investments.
3. Entrepreneurship: Starting a business or venture to create wealth and economic growth and generate employment for others.

Kama: The pursuit of Desire

Kama (can also simply mean to desire) celebrates the pursuit of pleasure, desires, and emotional fulfillment. It acknowledges the significance of enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation – and under the confines of Dharma. (Kama is not the same as Karma) – simply put, Kama is about enjoying life responsibly.

Everyday examples of Kama include:

1. Hobbies and Leisure Activities: Engaging in hobbies and recreational activities that bring joy and relaxation.
2. Romantic Relationships: Pursuing love and forming meaningful connections with others.
3. Cultural Enjoyment: Appreciating art, music, literature, and other forms of cultural enrichment.

Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of Birth & Death

Moksha is the ultimate goal of spiritual and philosophical exploration. It represents the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death – or Samsara. It’s all about finding inner peace.

While it may seem abstract, Moksha has practical aspects:

1. Meditation and Self-Reflection: Seeking inner peace and self-realization through practices like meditation and self-reflection. Yoga is also a physical practice in (and part of) these pursuits.
2. Philanthropy and Service: Helping others and contributing to the welfare of society and participating in activities for the betterment of the community and society as a whole.
3. Yoga and Mindfulness: Embracing yoga and mindfulness techniques to attain mental and spiritual clarity.

Balancing the Pursuits of Life

The Four Purusharthas, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, provide a holistic framework for leading a well-rounded and meaningful life. By recognizing these principles and finding the right balance among them, individuals can navigate life’s complexities with wisdom and purpose, irrespective of their cultural background.

These timeless concepts not only offer guidance but also invite us to explore the profound depths, meaning and purpose of our existence while nurturing a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.