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Purushartha (Samskrit: पुरुषार्थ:) refers to the four principal categories of pursuits in human life namely, [[Dharma (धर्मः)]], [[Artha (अर्थः)]], [[Kama (कामः)]] and [[Moksha (मोक्षः)]]. The life of a human being was set in the framework of these four Purusharthas by our ancient seers. The whole body of Bharatiya texts and parampara have all aspects of life and after-life events seen through the lens of the purusharthas. Thus [[Purushartha Drshti (पुरुषार्थदृष्टिः)|Purushartha drsthi]] is the most unique of the principles of Sanatana Dharma. While a vast majority of people in the world live a life to fulfil Artha (अर्थः) and Kama (कामः) a few adhering to Dharma framework, very few pursue the Moksha purushartha.   
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Purushartha (Samskrit: पुरुषार्थ:) refers to the four principal categories of pursuits in human life namely, [[Dharma (धर्मः)]], [[Artha (अर्थः)]], [[Kama (कामः)]] and [[Moksha (मोक्षः)]]. The life of a human being was set in the framework of these four Purusharthas by our ancient seers. The whole body of Bharatiya texts and parampara have all aspects of life and after-life events seen through the lens of the purusharthas. Thus [[Purushartha Drshti (पुरुषार्थदृष्टिः)|Purushartha drsthi]] is the most unique of the principles of Sanatana Dharma. While a vast majority of people in the world live a life to fulfil Artha (अर्थः) and Kama (कामः) and a few adhering to Dharma framework, very few pursue the Moksha purushartha.   
    
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
 
== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==
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To attain and remain in the state of Sukha, it appears that the most important desired purposes of all human beings (sadhya साध्य) are just two namely '''Kama''' (desires required to fulfil worldly pleasures) and '''Moksha''' and the instruments (sadhanam साधनं) to achieve these two goals are '''Dharma''' and '''Artha'''. Thus the two pursuits and their two instruments are generally felt necessary by every person. Since Moksha pertains to the domain of Self or Atma it is termed Adhyatma, and the chief instrument to achieve it is Dharma. Artha and Kama are essential instruments for fulfilling the needs in life. Dharma also supports these two needs, the Artha and Kama.<ref name=":1" /> Amarakosha defines Trivarga as Dharma, Kama and Artha.<blockquote>त्रिवर्गो धर्म कामार्थः चतुर्वर्गः समोक्षकः। (Amarakosha)</blockquote>While the four purusharthas have their own significance, shastras have given greater importance to Moksha because the Trivargas will eventually lead to Moksha.<ref name=":1" />
 
To attain and remain in the state of Sukha, it appears that the most important desired purposes of all human beings (sadhya साध्य) are just two namely '''Kama''' (desires required to fulfil worldly pleasures) and '''Moksha''' and the instruments (sadhanam साधनं) to achieve these two goals are '''Dharma''' and '''Artha'''. Thus the two pursuits and their two instruments are generally felt necessary by every person. Since Moksha pertains to the domain of Self or Atma it is termed Adhyatma, and the chief instrument to achieve it is Dharma. Artha and Kama are essential instruments for fulfilling the needs in life. Dharma also supports these two needs, the Artha and Kama.<ref name=":1" /> Amarakosha defines Trivarga as Dharma, Kama and Artha.<blockquote>त्रिवर्गो धर्म कामार्थः चतुर्वर्गः समोक्षकः। (Amarakosha)</blockquote>While the four purusharthas have their own significance, shastras have given greater importance to Moksha because the Trivargas will eventually lead to Moksha.<ref name=":1" />
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The Doctrine of Trivarga comprising of "DHARMA, ARTHA AND KAMA" is the sum and substance of the Bharatiya Philosophy of life, intended to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and the public interest which means the interests the of all other individuals who constitute the society or Nation concerned and includes all humanity. It declares the supremacy of Dharma over Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire for securing material pleasure). It is the invaluable and everlasting solution for all the problems of all human beings for all time to come, irrespective of their belonging or not belonging to any religion.
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The Doctrine of Trivarga comprising of Dharma, Artha and Kama is the sum and substance of the Bharatiya philosophy of life, intended to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of the individual and the public interest which means the interests of all other individuals who constitute the society or Nation concerned and includes all humanity. It declares the supremacy of Dharma over Artha (wealth) and Kama (desire for securing material pleasure). It is the invaluable and everlasting solution for all the problems of all human beings for all time to come, irrespective of their belonging or not belonging to any religion.<ref name=":2">Jois, Rama. ''DHARMA - The Global Ethic'', Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. (Page 18-19)</ref>
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The propounders of Dharma did appreciate that the fulfillment of desires of human beings was essential but were of the opinion that unless the desires were regulated by law, they would bring about undesirable results. Therefore, all the propounders of Dharma were unanimous that for the existence of an orderly society and the peace and happiness of all, the desires (kama) for material enjoyment, and pleasures (Artha) should always conform to Dharma (Code of Right Conduct) and be never inconsistent with it.
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The propounders of Dharma did appreciate that the fulfillment of desires of human beings was essential but were of the opinion that unless the desires were regulated by law, they would bring about undesirable results. Therefore, all the propounders of Dharma were unanimous that for the existence of an orderly society and the peace and happiness of all, the desires (kama) for material enjoyment, and pleasures (Artha) should always conform to Dharma (Code of Right Conduct) and be never inconsistent with it.<ref name=":2" />
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Manu declares<blockquote>धर्मार्थावुच्यते श्रेयः कामार्थौ धर्म एव च । अर्थ एवेह वा श्रेयस्त्रिवर्ग इति तु स्थितिः । । २.२२४ । । (Manu. Smrt. 2.224)
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परित्यजेदर्थकामौ यौ स्यातां धर्मवर्जितौ । (Manu. Smrt. 4.176)</blockquote>Meaning: To achieve welfare and happiness some declare Dharma and Artha are good. Others declare that Artha and Kama are better. Still others declare that Dharma is the best. There are also persons who declare Artha alone secures happiness.<ref name=":2" />
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But the correct view is that the aggregate of Dharma, Artha and Kama (Trivarga) secures welfare and happiness. However, the desire (kama) and material wealth (Artha) must be rejected if contrary to Dharma.<ref name=":2" />
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In this single verse Manu Smriti has considered the merits of pure materialism (Artha and Kama) and of mere spiritualism (Dharma without Artha) and concluded that it is the combination of Dharma, Artha and Kama which secures welfare and happiness with an overriding principle that desire (kama) and material wealth (artha) should be rejected if they are inconsistent with Dharma and calls this doctrine TRIVARGA. There can be no better rule or philosophy than Trivarga, for the welfare of the individual and society. It strikes a harmonious balance between the interests of the individual and society.<ref name=":2" />
    
== Dharma ==
 
== Dharma ==

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