Purushartha
Purusharthas
Meaning-The concept of 'Purusharthas' is the fundamental principle of the Indian social ethics. The word 'Purusharthas' implies 'attainments' or 'life purposes'. According to this concept, the aim of every person is to attain four noble ends or Purusharthas. They are Dharma,Artha,Kama and Moksha. These Purusharthas govern the Hindu views of life. They are the guiding principles of life for the Hindus at all stages of their development. The entire Hindu social organization is built on the foundation of the Purusharthas.
Four Purusharthas-
1-Dharma
2-Artha
3-Kama
4-Moksha
1-Dharma (The principal of Righteousness)-It is the supreme principle of life. It is the major end of human life. The word "Dharma" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Dhri", meaning "to hold together, to sustain, to preserve " What does the dharma hold together? It holds together the whole universe. Therefore, our Shastras say that "dharmat dharma ityahuh" (It is called dharma because it holds together or sustains.) It is essential to maintaining the stability of society.
Dr. Radhakrishnan has pointed out....." Every form of life, every group of men has its Dharma which is the law of its begins. Dharma or virtue is conformity with the truth of things."Aadharma" or vice is opposition to it".
Mimamsa Philosophy, Dharma means a moral code of conduct to be observed by all human beings in every sphere of their activity and it holds good for all times to come.
According to Mahabharata, Dharma is "created for the well-being of all creation." All that is free from doing harm to any created being is essentially Dharma." Thus Dharma protects all. It is capable of preserving the universe.
Kinds of Dharma
1-Samanya Dharma- Samanya Dharma consists of general rules and duties which are almost universal in nature.
Examples- Truth, non-violence, control of sense, etc.
2-Stree Dharma-Stree Dharma is concerned with the duties, responsibilities, and character of women.
3-Dampatya Dharma- Duties of husband and wife towards each other, towards their family, children, and the larger society.
4-Varna dharma-Duties of different Varnas-Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and the Shudras towards each other, and society.
5-Raj Dharma-Duties and responsibilities of the king.
6-Ashrama dharma-This refers to the rules relating to different stages or Ashramas in the life of a man such as Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa.
7-Apaddharma-This refers to certain specific rules to be followed by individuals when they are caught in a crisis or great critical situation. These rules would act as guides and help them to overcome or face the distressing situation without sacrificing the Dharma.
Sources of Dharma-According to the Smritikars, the nature of the Dharma can be better understood only if one knows the sources from which it emerges. Smritikara Gautama, Apasthambha, and others have said that Vedas constitute the main source of the Dharma, Manu who accepts the superiority of the Vedas, mentions four other sources of Dharma in the second chapter of his smriti.
2-Artha(wealth)-The term 'Artha' refers to worldly prosperity such as wealth and power. It is acquiring wealth by honest means. A man is unable to conduct his life so long as the material means of living are not available. Without 'Artha' no desire (Kama) can be satisfied.
Economic insecurity and individual attainment do not go together. Economic stability is the basis of social stability, individual advancement, and spiritual attainment. The pleasure of giving charity comes only when there is something to give. Hence, 'artha' or wealth helps to sustain and enrich life.
The importance of wealth in social life was fully realized by Kautilya, the author of 'Arthashastra',.He says that wealth is a basis of human requirements and that social well-being depends ultimately on material prosperity.
3-Kama (Pleasure or Desire)- the Kama refers to the desire in man for enjoyment and satisfaction of the life of the senses. It refers to some of the innate desires and urges in man. It springs into the human mind, the moment one is born. It is the essence of life with the passing of time desires increase. These desires influence and determine social action in many ways. The Kama doesn't mean only instinctive life. It involves sexual, emotional, and aesthetic life as well.
At its lowest manifestation, Kama is referred to as sex drive.
4-Moksha (Spiritual Freedom)- Moksha, according to Hindu thinkers is the ultimate aim. When the end of human actions is salvation or liberation from the bondage of the world, it is called Moksha. When 'dharma' becomes the absolute concept, it gets the name of "Moksha". It is the supreme aspiration of man.
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elaborated all the purushartas comprehensively. and thank you a lot!
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