1. PurushArta

I am planning to run a series where I introduce vedic/snskrt terms and discuss them in short simple paragraphs as a simple hindu educational series.

Let me start with the term 'purushArta'.

1. PurushArta

The terms purusa refers to human beings, and artA means goal.
So purusArta translates to goal of a human being.

Looking at the goals of any human being, the tradition looks at human goals in a four fold manner.

1. ArthA or Security and Survival
2. kAma or luxury ( anything beyond what one needs for basic survival)
3. Dharma or Righteousness (the human need to be treated by others in a righteous just manner, as well as the inherent desire to be righteous to others as well)
4. MoksA or total freedom while pursuing the above three goals of arthA, kAma and dharmA.

These are not goals Prescribed by hindus. Hindus do not prescribe anything. Rather we simply look at the facts the way it is. If you look at the human goals, all goals will fall under either of the first 3 heads. The uniqueness of Hindu faith is that the final goal of moksA, is to be attained WHILE LIVING, and pursuing the first 3 goals. Hence our moksa is not in heaven etc. rather we call moksa as 'JIVAN MUKTI' or liberation while living.

In the next post we will look at each goal.