| Hindu Ideals |
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THE FOUR SETUS |
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| Nilakantha, the
commentator of the Mahabharata says in one of his introductory verses that when sublimated
by Dharma, Artha and Kama take a loftier shape. Petty-minded men pursue Artha and Kama for
the satisfaction of sensual enjoyments and desires; an pursue even Dharma for the
sake of material objects here and hereafter, for the pleasures of svarga. But great men
pursue Dharma so that their minds may be purified, and aspire for wealth so that religious
sacrifices may be performed for the welfare of mankind and for the sustenance of their
lives, and they eagerly desire to attain moksha. He adds that the way of the petty-minded
and of the great ones are illustrated by the story of the lives of the Dharthrashtras and
of the Pandavas.
Lot every individual avoid the acquisition of wealth and the gratification of his desires
if they are opposed to Dharma and avoid also those acts of Dharma which are opposed to and
hurt the feelings of the general public and lead not to joy even in after life. The poet
Bhava-bhuti describes the man of real Vedic culture.
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