The term ‘purushartha’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: purusha, meaning ‘human being’, and artha, meaning ‘purpose’ or ‘objective’. Thus, purushartha can be translated as the purpose of human beings or the objective of human’s life.

Arranged from lowest to highest, the four purusharthas are: artha, kama, dharma, and moksha. Whilst these goals are considered to be important, Hindu philosophy gives precedence to dharma over artha and kama, and moksha is viewed above all as the ultimate aim of all human life.

The four goals of purushartha are believed to be necessary for a happy and fulfilling life. Each of the following may be sought either for its own sake, or as a means of accomplishing the next goal:

• Artha refers to having the means and material comfort to live with ease, such as wealth, career, prosperity, and financial security.
• Kama signifies the desire for pleasure, enjoyment, love, intimacy, affection, and even music or art. Whilst excessive kama can lead to overindulgence, the right kind of kama can help individuals to fulfil their dharma with passion.
• Dharma includes duties, conduct, and virtues. Dharma means truth or right way of living and can be thought of as one’s true purpose in life.
• Moksha refers to the ultimate goal of human life; self-realisation, and liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Moksha is believed to occur when an individual has successfully achieved artha, kama, and dharma.