The
first part of the book deals with the conception of the Purusharthas or the aims and
objectives of man in life. Those purusharthas are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. All the
aims and aspirations of man are comprised in these four words. Their sequence also has
great significance. Dharma must be the ruling principle of life while Moksha is the
ultimate goal.
In between are Artha and Kama which are
natural aspirations of every man in life. They refer to acquiring the means for material
prosperity and to enjoying the innocent pleasures of life. Dharma being placed first as
the ruling principle, both artha and kama must be subject to dharma. There must be no
acquisition of wealth which violates the principles of Dharma. Similarly also no enjoyment
is to be desired which is opposed to dharma. The Lord has said in the Gita:
dharmaaviruddhah kaamosmi'I am kama which is not opposed to dharma.' |
