Purushartha

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.

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