The Four Aims of Life Flashcards
What is the path to self-realization called?
Puruṣārtha (Sanskrit: पुरुषार्थ) can be translated to “the purpose of human beings**” or “object of human pursuit**”
Puruṣārtha (पुरुषार्थ) is a composite of Sanskrit words Purusha (पुरुष) and Artha (अर्थ).
- Purusha means “human being as the soul and original source of the universe.”
- Artha means “sense, goal, meaning, purpose or essence.”
Puruṣārtha refers to the four aims of life; Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
What are the four basic motivations for the soul?
Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha
Nakṣhatras (lunar mansions), Rāśi – (zodiacal sign), and Bhāvas (houses) all reflect these aims. By studying the chart, we can determine the motivation that guides the person.
What is Dharma?
Motivated by virtue, duty, the correct action or purpose, good character.
Which Bhāva (house) has Dharma as a motivator?
1st, 5th, and 9th: The need to find our path and purpose.
Which Rāśi – (zodiacal sign) has Dharma as a motivator?
Meṣa (Aries) - the Ram / Ruled by Mangala (Mars)
Siṃha (Leo) - the Lion / Ruled by Surya (Sun)
Dhanuṣa (Sagittarius) - Bow and Arrow / Ruled by Bṛhaspati, “Guru” (Jupiter)
Which Nakṣhatras (lunar mansions) has Dharma as a motivator?
- Aśvini (Ashwini)
- Puṣya (Pushya)
- Āśleṣā (Ashleshā)
- Viśākhā (Visakha)
- Anurādhā (Anuradha)
- Dhaniṣṭhā (Dhanishta)
- Śatabhiṣā (Shatabhisha)
What is Artha?
Motivated by wealth, ambition, prosperity, reputation, purpose, success, goals, achievement.”
Which Bhāva (house) has Artha as a motivator?
2nd, 6th, and 10th: The need to acquire the necessary resources and abilities to provide for ourselves to fulfill our path and purpose.
Which Rāśi – (zodiacal sign) has Artha as a motivator?
Vṛṣabha (Taurus) - The Bull / Ruled by Shukra (Venus)
Kanyā (Virgo) - The Virgin Girl / Ruled by Budha (Mercury)
Makara (Capricorn) - The Crocodile / Ruled by Shani (Saturn)
Which Nakṣhatras (lunar mansions) has Artha as a motivator?
- Bharaṇī (Bharani)
- Punarvasu (Punarvasu)
- Maghā (Maghā)
- Svāti (Swāti)
- Jyeṣṭhā (Jyeshtha)
- Śrāvaṇa (Shravana)
- Pūrva Bhādrapadā (Purva Bhadrapada)
What is Kama?
Motivated by pleasure, sensory, desire (not just sexual), what we are passionate about (causes, work, people, religion.)
Which Bhāva (house) has Kama as a motivator?
3rd, 7th, and 11th: The need for pleasure and enjoyment.
Which Rāśi – (zodiacal sign) has Kama as a motivator?
Mithuna (Gemini) - The Twins / Ruled by Budha (Mercury)
Tulā (Libra) - Balance (The Scales) / Ruled by Shukra (Venus)
Kumbha (Aquarius) - The water-bearer / Ruled by Shani (Saturn)
Which Nakṣhatras (lunar mansions) has Kama as a motivator?
- Kṛttikā (Krittika)
- Ārdrā (Ardra)
- Pūrva Phālgunī (Pūrva Phalgunī)
- Chitrā (Chitra)
- Mūla (Mula)
- Uttara Bhādrapadā (Uttara Bhadrapada)
What is Moksha?
Motivated by liberation, salvation, spiritual realization, the highest truth. Sages say to fulfill the first three Purushartha, then aspire for Moksha
