5 - Human Life And Its Purpose - Human Aims Flashcards
What is Puruswaartha?
Puruswaartha means the aspiration, aim or purpose of the human being and is traditionally described as having four aspects:
- kaama, enjoyment / pleasure
- artha, wealth
- dharma, virtue / duty
- mokswa, liberation
A civilized life aspires to cultivate all four of these in balance.
Describe the role of Kaama in a civilized life.
Life devoted only to the pursuit of kaama is shortsighted and tends to lead to misery, violence and exhaustion.
Kaama is a basic human need, but it needs to be pursued ethically.
Describe the role of Artha in a civilized life.
If the senses are given proper consideration, then a person can cultivate the next puruswaartha, artha.
Artha is economic prosperity and wealth.
It confers power, ability and advantage in the world.
Artha also has its legitimate place, but it needs to be subservient to higher aims.
Describe the role of dharma in a civilized life.
Next is dharma, which can be translated as virtue, justice or religion.
The word dharma derives from the dhaatu √dhrr, which means ‘uplifting and supporting.’
Through dharma, human beings are more than animals, for it provides the ethical framework that can guide the two lower puruswaarthas.
Society stays together and is supported and uplifted by dharma.
Dharma is also the system by which one is rewarded for virtuous deeds and is punished for actions that are selfish or vicious.
Describe the role of mokswa in a civilized life.
The final puruswaartha is mokswa, or liberation.
Mokswa is the liberation from all confinements, even of the human form.
This immortal and limitless state is final, permanent and untouched by all sorrow or fear.
