The concept of Purushartha is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘purusha’ meaning man and ‘artha’ meaning “purpose”. This concept underlines
the four basic yet crucial guiding principles essential for a fulfilling and happy life. These four purusharthas include: Dharma representing ethical duties; Artha representing material wealth; Kama representing fulfilment of desires, both physical and emotional; and Moksha.

While artha and kama are the one that man is naturally inclined to seek through biological and social conditioning, dharma and moksha are often neglected. Acharya Chankya propounded that the purusharthas are interconnected and artha and kama must be pursued in a balanced manner, guided by Dharma ultimately leading toward Moksha.

धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां यस्यैकोऽपि न विद्वते।
अजागलस्तनस्येव तस्य जन्म निरर्थकम् ।।

meaning that a life that’s not devoted to (the pursuit of) any of the four Purusharthas is utterly meaningless.

The last few centuries of global domination by western thought, culture and institutions has meant that the current Indian society has embraced western values which focuses on artha and kama at the expense of dharma and moksha. As a result, materialism and consumerism have become increasingly prevalent phenomena in the Indian society leading to social upheaval, moral decay and environmental damage. Indic wisdom traditions always advised that dharma has to be the foundation of all human activities and unless artha and kama are pursued within the bounds of dharma, it will not lead to fulfilment.

All the four Purusharthas- dharma, artha, kama and moksha- must be pursued in a balanced manner to build purposeful lives, joyful individuals and a harmonious society.