Purusharthas

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Purusharthas

Universal aims

Influence every thought and deed of our lives

Referred to in Vedic texts, Ramayana and Mahabharata

"Goals of human experience" --> "the soul's purpose"

Literally means an "object of human pursuit"

Key concept in Hinduism

Refers to the four proper goals/aims of a human life: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha

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Dharma

Righteousness

Moral Values

Every single thing in the universe has dharma

Everything has a duty (religious and social) that must be fulfilled to build good karma - will lead to them being reincarnated positively

Dharma refers to the laws and rules to be followed to ensure a happy, well ordered and harmonious world

Could be considered to be "morality"

Ramayana teaches: "Rama is an example for us. We must, like him, try our best to fulfil our dharma in life"

Rules for each caste and for each stage of life Hindus are at - Varnashramadharma

Comes from Sanskrit word meaning "religious duty"

Determines how the way in which they are reincarnated

Three types of dharma; sanatana-dharma, varnashrama-dharma and sadharana-dharma

Sanatana-Dharma

Can be defined as the soul's never-ending prosperity to serve Brahman

Hindus believe that sanatana-dharma underpins Hinduism's more inclusive approach for life, all races and other religions

Basis for sanatana-dharma teaches that Hindus (as well as everyone else) are equal and should be treated as such

Affects Hindus because it tends toward overtly spiritual matters for example, worship

Therefore, it encourages Hindus to actively worship Brahman

Also teaches that one shouldn't feel restricted by what scripture teaches - but they should know scripture

Allows them to have freedom in their life

Varnashrama-Dharma

Way of defining duties for an individual classified by a person's varna and their ashrama

Important for Hindus because they believe that it's the basis for accommodating society

Teaches that Hindus have specific duties which is dependent on their caste and the stage of life

They should be accepting of their dharma and fulfil this in order to build good karma

Sadharana-Dharma

Considered as the general morality principle of Hinduism

Dharma according to prohibitions (yama) and the recommended practices (niyama) a person to complete

Highlights that there a certain practices that are recommended in order for a person dharma to be fulfilled their full capability

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Artha

Support priests, poor and sannyasin

Support families

Literally translates as "meaning, sense, goal, purpose or essence"

Prosperity --> economic values

Aim of earning through honest means

Necessary so individuals can support their families and contribute to welfare of society by paying taxes and giving alms

Broader concept in Hindu scripture

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Kama

Pleasure of a passionate and loving relationship

Not essential to dedicate oneself exclusively to religious practices and forgo worldly pleasures - not allow it to distract

Enjoyment of the beauty and nature

Husbands and wives must make other happy

Can't bring lasting pleasure or peace

Pleasure and love

Psychological values

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Moksha

Release from suffering of birth and death

Ultimate goal

Liberation --> spiritual values

Reunited with Brahman --> unlimited and unending peace and happiness

Everyone is on the same path to Moksha

Some are further along the path than others but all will get there eventually

Could lead to increased unity within the community

Or it could lead to competitiveness between Hindus because they will want to reach Moksha first