Purushartha: The Four Goals of Human Life

Many of us spend a lifetime pursuing material success: a good education, a well-paying career, a beautiful house, luxury vehicles, a closet full of clothes, the latest must-have gadgets, etc, etc. We do so in the hopes that it will make us happy. Sooner or later however, we realize that despite all of the hard work that allowed us to acquire such things, there is still something missing.

Purushartha is a Sanskrit word consisting of "purusha" (individual or human soul) and "artha" (object or goal). It is an ancient teaching which explains that in order to be happy and fulfilled, a human being must pursue four essential goals in harmony. These goals include dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

Dharma

The word "dharma" has many meanings, including "duty" "virtue" and "responsibility." There are two main types of dharma. The first is svadharma, and is different for each individual. We each have specific talents, experiences, and interests. By applying our unique gifts, we are able to enjoy life while fulfilling our personal mission. The second is sanatana dharma, and refers to our divine mission. This is the same for every human being. We are encouraged to live a righteous and virtuous life, upholding moral and ethical principles. Such virtues include honesty, self-discipline, compassion, humility, and generosity, for example.

Artha

Artha translates to "meaning" "goal" or "purpose." It pertains to the pursuit of material wealth, success, and prosperity. It is about working to have a meaningful career, financial security, and meeting the physical and material needs of ourself and our family. According to this teaching, there is nothing wrong with material pursuits, as long as they are kept in balance with the other three goals.

Kama

Kama means "pleasure" "love" or "desire." It refers to pleasures of the senses, enjoyment, and the desire for love and affection. Like artha, it is a material pursuit. There is no need to feel guilty about having a slice of cake, enjoying a glass of wine, or treating yourself to a vacation every now and then. We do not have to become hermits to fulfill our ultimate purpose. The key is not to overindulge.

Moksha

Moksha means liberation, the fourth and most important goal of human life. It is the pursuit of self-realization and spiritual enlightenment. Attaining moksha allows us to transcend the cycle of birth and death (known as samsara). It is for this goal that we perform austerities, study scriptures, and practice yoga.

As we progress on our path, material goals become less attractive, and we begin to focus more on our spiritual evolution. This is a natural process that we all must go through. By understanding and actively seeking these four purusharthas, we can lead a purposeful and meaningful life, experiencing true happiness and inner peace while still participating in our daily lives.