Purushartha in Modern Age

The ancient concept of purushartha, which derives from the Vedas and other early Hindu texts symbolize the fourfold path known as- ‘Dharma’, ‘Artha’, ‘Kama’ and ‘Moksha’. The Purusharthas serve as a model on how to live fully.  Each purushartha has a specific literature that continues to be relevant and significant today, just as people today look to ancient writings like the “Bhagavat Gita” or the “Ramayana” for answers to contemporary difficulties. “Dharma” implies moral uprightness and “Artha” means material wealth and values. “Kama” stands for all sensual pleasure, while “Moksha” is the state of complete elimination of all sorrow, which is the state of self-realization. Purusharthas serve as a reflection of human pursuit, and it is well known that as yugas change, so do people’s perspectives on what it means to live a meaningful life. This article attempts to explore the significance of purushartha in olden times and provide a framework to follow one’s purpose in the modern age.