Purusartha in yoga refers to acting for the benefit of the Self, where 'Purusha' represents the Self and 'Artha' signifies acting for the purpose of. This is your fundamental essence and reason for existence. It is up to you to determine your life's purpose and dedicate yourself to it, as only you can define what this purpose truly is. Reflect on whether you are aligning your life to support your material and spiritual development and contemplate what your soul truly desires. Ultimately, the question to ask yourself is, "What will bring meaning and purpose to my life?"
The Vedic texts propose a fourfold path comprising Dharma (duties), Artha (wealth), Kama (hobbies and pleasures), and Moksha (liberation, emancipation). While the first three are interconnected, believers hold that the correct conduct of Dharma is essential for Artha to have significance, and sustaining Kama requires an abundance of Artha. The balanced integration of Dharma, Artha, and Kama facilitates the journey towards liberation or enlightenment, Moksha.
Dharma
Dharma is the concept of truth, the correct way of living, and the essential human behaviors needed for maintaining order in the world. Once you have determined the aim of your life, you should then identify the actions and responsibilities required to fulfill that aim. This entails fulfilling your duties towards yourself, your family, neighbors, society, and humanity as a whole.
When considering Dharma at a personal level, one can view it as their genuine life purpose or the moral foundation that guides their actions. It encompasses:
Be conscious of whatever you do- actions, speech, and thoughts.
Showing empathy and being considerate of others' needs.
Remaining conscious of the presence of the Divine inside you.
Ultimately, Dharma guides you to recall your true essence.
Dharma not only fosters stability and order but also promotes a life characterized by legality and harmony. It involves the pursuit of righteousness, virtue, aiding others, and engaging effectively with society. The Bhagavad Gita also says, “Better your own Dharma though imperfect than the Dharma of another done perfectly.” This means that you need to find your own truth and even though you may make mistakes along the way, this is still preferable to trying to copy others.
Being the first of the Purusharthas, Dharma is essential for preventing Artha and Kama from turning into self-destructive forces.
Artha
Artha refers to the assurance of possessing the material comforts to lead a comfortable life in the world. Although there is a misconception that spirituality entails poverty, Artha does not involve renouncing the world but finding satisfaction in one's possessions. It emphasizes following dharma by earning wealth through legitimate, moral, and ethical methods.
One of the fundamental human dignities is to possess sufficient resources to sustain oneself and support one's family, without resorting to hoarding or greed. Acquire assets and use them for the betterment of society.
You should:
Find a method where money comes to you instead of you chasing after it.
Engage in tasks that align with your inherent qualities and abilities.
Engage in tasks that benefit the community.
Engage in work that you are truly passionate about.
Have faith in the limitless organizing ability of the Universe.
Kama
The pursuit of pleasure primarily motivates human behavior. A life lacking in pleasure and enjoyment feels devoid and meaningless. It is important to uphold righteousness not only in actions but also in intentions.
Kama pertains to the enjoyment derived from various sources, such as art, music, beauty, love, intimacy, affection, companionship, and benevolence. It contributes to bringing joy into one's life. The appropriate forms of pleasure guide individuals towards their Dharma, enabling them to pursue it with enthusiasm. Kama is beneficial and essential when it serves to uphold Dharma and enrich life experiences. Nevertheless, an excess of Kama may cause indulgence, addiction, laziness, avarice, and lust.
Moksha
By living your Dharma and being fully supported by Artha and Kama, you will attain Moksha, the ultimate liberation. Moksha represents our authentic self, reflecting who we truly are. This encompasses:
Emancipation or liberation.
Freedom from the cycle of death and rebirth.
Freedom from ignorance.
Self-Realization and self-knowledge.
Consciousness of the Oneness of the Supreme Soul.
The removal of obstacles to an unrestricted life.
Unlocking our complete human potential involving creativity, compassion, and understanding.
The ultimate aim of our existence is moksha, which is liberation. As we go through life, we should strive towards achieving this goal as well.
Practice Point
Begin by finding a comfortable spot, preferably in a quiet and peaceful environment where you can relax with no time constraints. Reflect on what it is that, once achieved, would make you feel you have lived a fulfilling life. Consider what captivates your spirit, what you yearn to pursue if given complete freedom. Do not rush into a decision. Repeat this exercise after a few days and observe if your choice changes. Keep track of any changes. If, upon multiple reflections, your answer remains consistent, consider it your life's purpose. Align all your actions with this purpose. If immediate implementation is not feasible because of other obligations, do not worry, but stay focused on your purpose and pray for its realization. If your intentions are pure and in harmony with your purpose, nature will work towards its fulfillment. However, remember that your purpose should be noble and meaningful.
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