The word Purushārtha means human goals. In our spiritual texts, the word is also used in other senses — sometimes it refers to free will, and at other times to effort, endeavor, or deliberate choice. However, its primary meaning is the ultimate goals or destination of human life.
Dharma Purushārtha : Freedom from desires, attachment, fear, sorrow, and the cycle of birth and death. Freedom from slavery regarding “preya”s (personal like and dislikes)
Dharma can be defined as an invisible (adrashtam) form of wealth translated as good luck. It is also called punya. It is something we do not see but it seems to contribute to our well-being – our goals of Artha and Kama. Dharma is something which can be acquired through appropriate methods prescribed in our sastras (spiritual texts). In short it means righteous and ethical living. Dharma is the foundation of a righteous living.
Dharma contributes to our lives in two ways – In this life by providing Artha and Kama and it also provides Artha and Kama in future lives, particularly in initial stages of life. For example, Dharma of past life heavily determines a child’s life. Thus, Dharma is a powerful form of subtle wealth we enumerate first.
Our tradition repeatedly emphasizes that Dharma is the Atma of human life. It is the principle that upholds the individual, the family, the society, and the cosmic order. We are all part of a cosmic cycle. It is our Dharma – duty to play our role in maintaining harmony in this cycle. Dharma is not merely ritual or duty; it is righteousness expressed in
thoughts, words, and action. It is living with values that elevate the mind and purify the heart.
Dharma aligns a person with universal moral law. It includes truthfulness, non-injury, purity, compassion, self-control, humility, forgiveness, and service. A person who practices Dharma becomes a source of peace and harmony.
Dharma is dynamic, not rigid. Keeping the guiding principle- do what is right, fair, and uplifting, our Dharma -duty can vary according to our Swadharma. According to the role we are playing.
Dharma is selfless service; Serving others without expectation purifies the ego, softens the heart, awakens the self of unity with all. Observing Dharma brings mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual merit. It guides worldly life and prepares the aspirant for a higher stage of spiritual evolution.
Dharma protects those who protect it. A life lived with integrity becomes fearless, peaceful, and harmonious.
The three goals – Artha, Kama and Dharma have many things in common. They are known as preyas. Whatever we acquire
deliberately, legitimately or in a planned way acquire is preyas.
When Dharma governs Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire), life becomes balanced and noble. When Dharma matures, it naturally leads one to Vairagya (detachment) and eventually Moksha (liberation). In the teachings of Our Tradition, Dharma is both the path and the first step toward Self-realization.
— Sanjay Mehta
Back to Purushārtha and Āshram Vyavasthā (System) – in Hindu Philosophy
