Four Pursuits of Human Life: Puruṣārtha Chatuṣṭaya
Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Mokśa — together are defined in the Indian Culture (which in its original form is also honored as the "Divine Culture") as Puruṣārtha Chatuṣṭaya. These represent the foremost objectives, endeavors, and achievements of a successful, holistically fulfilling, and truly worthy life. Of these, Mokśa is the supreme goal of life; Artha and Kāma are the essential supports of worldly progress and fulfillment, and Dharma is the beacon light of guidance for ideal use of worldly resources and ascent of life towards the supreme goal.
The journey of human civilization has proceeded with different shades of culture. Broadly speaking, there are two extreme classes of cultures. One is materialistic — it encourages and thrives on consumption for sensory pleasures and worldly passions. The other extreme is nurtured by spirituality; it originates from noble values and idealism. The materialistic culture revolves around Artha and Kāma, whereas the spiritual culture aims at Mokśa and is supported and guided by Dharma.
It is essential to understand here that "Mokśa" is not what the commonly used English translation (salvation) of this word is interpreted as 'freedom' or "resting in heavenly abode" after death. In fact, "Mokśa" implies the state of absolute peace, virtuous light, completeness, beatitude, and unalloyed bliss that is to be achieved in this very life. Similarly, "Dharma" is not a communal doctrine of orthodox norms in the name of God, as the word 'religion' is often interpreted.
In the true sense, "Dharma" (as clearly defined in the Sanskrit origin of this word) is — the adoption of those qualities, values, and principles in practice, which are universally essential and useful for peaceful co-existence and positive progress of all beings in consonance with Nature. Every component of Nature follows the eternal principles and disciplines (of sharing self-responsibility with sincerity, efficiency and consistency). This is what maintains the existence and self-regulated functioning of the entire creation (including the sustenance of life on the Earth) since uncountable Ages.
Like the cosmic as well as the atomic/micro-components, and other creatures in the ever-vibrant system of Nature, we, the humans, too owe to share our responsibilities. We need to wisely and positively transact our duties as an intelligent creature, as an evolved member of Nature's family, as a social being, etc. in the best possible way to contribute to the healthy survival and happy evolution of all.
The main principles/disciplines of Dharma, as propounded by the forefathers of divine human culture are — self-determination, forgiveness, integrity (of character), scrupulosity and purity (of mind), self-restraint (over instinctive and sensory passions), prudence, pure knowledge, truthfulness, humility, and control over anger. Adoption of these orients one's worldly life towards positive progressing and welfare by disciplining Kāma and Artha.
Kāma, which otherwise is a synonym of sensual pleasures and lusty passions, becomes a source of creativity, real joy, enthusiasm, courage, and high vital energy, and nurtures the art of self-management. Kāma without Dharma is criticized in the Indian Culture as a disgraceful, beastly tendency. Undisciplined Kāma fuels uncontrolled sensual lust and rapidly weakens one's mind as well as body. The rising rates of heinous crimes of rapes, adultery, violence, thefts, etc., in the present times, are consequences of this unchecked, grotesque Kāma. Indeed, Kāma sans the discipline of Dharma is worse than poison; it not only ruins one's own life but also creates a hellish ambiance for others around.
It is the inspiring guidance and the bounds of Dharma that help refinement of Kāma and positive and healthy channelization of its immense energy. Dharma does not make one devoid of the pleasures of worldly life. It only helps in achieving a natural balance, a prudent check, and discipline for one's benefits and welfare in the materialist life.
Like Kāma, Artha too is an essential element of healthy human life. One can't imagine the sustenance of life without it. But Artha is worth its significance only if the generation and use of this powerful resource are guided and disciplined by Dharma. Wealth gained without the principles of Dharma means it is accumulated through unfair means. Money earned dishonestly further boosts greed and encourages more corrupt practices. The widespread corruption and ever-new types of scandals taking place in our country are an indicator of the pathetic decline of personal and social values at large.
Prosperity expands and creates joy only if it is earned honestly by scrupulous practices. Dharma also teaches wise use of such fairly gained Artha for altruist purposes of the welfare of the needy, constructive development, supporting noble activities, etc., rather than accumulating it only for the self and the near and dear ones.
Thus, under the guidance and support of Dharma, Kāma and Artha serve the purpose of the holistic development of the individuals as well as society. This inner development further strengthens one's dedication to follow Dharma, which gradually leads one's inner-self towards the divine feeling and pure light of Mokśa.
Attainment of Mokśa is the ultimate endeavour, supreme goal guided by the Indian Philosophy. It is the state of ultimate salvation in the worldly sense also, as it emancipates one from all thraldoms of all cravings, pulls and pressures, tensions, and worries. In spiritual parlance, it is the state of absolute purity of the inner self and peace of the mind. In this state of ultimate content, absolute peace, and unalloyed blissfulness, one's inner self unifies with its supreme divine origin. The above discussion summarizes the precious spiritual knowledge of Puruṣārtha Chatuṣṭaya — the four pursuits of human life. Indeed, "Puruṣārtha Chatuṣṭaya" reflects the unique majesty, originality, sagacity, and completeness of the Indian Thought and Culture.
"The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness, whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statues, or songs." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
"The pursuit of inner peace is more important than the search for happiness or success." — Chris Shea