Purushartha
(पुरुषार्थ)Literal Meaning
The aims of human life
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
'Purusha' (person) plus 'artha' (aim, purpose); the four legitimate goals of human life — dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation) — meant to be pursued in balance.
Spiritual Insight & Context
Unlike traditions that treat pleasure and wealth as spiritually suspect, Hindu thought legitimizes artha and kama as valid goals, provided they stay grounded in dharma and ultimately give way to moksha.