Foundations · Reading
The four Purusharthas
The four aims of human life: dharma, artha, kama and moksha.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
Philosophy
Purushartha means an aim of the person. The tradition recognises four, and does not ask that any be denied.
Dharma is right conduct, duty and order. Artha is livelihood and material means. Kama is pleasure, beauty and love. Moksha is liberation. The first three are pursued within dharma, and all of them point, finally, toward moksha.
Terms
- Dharma
- Right conduct, duty, order.
- Artha
- Livelihood, means.
- Kama
- Pleasure, desire, love.
- Moksha
- Liberation.
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, pp. 2–3, philosophy and foundations