2017, Vol. 3, Issue 3, Part B

author(s)
Mithun Howladar

abstract
The purpose or goal of life is called ‘Puruṣārtha’ by the Hindu scriptures. The word ‘Puruṣārtha’ consists of two words, namely ‘puruṣa’, means self and ‘Artha’, means aim or goal. The “Puruṣārthas”, that have been advocated by the Hindu scriptures from the very early times are four, viz. Dharma, Artha, Kāma and Moksha. The first of the goals is dharma. The word “Dharma” has been understood variously as duty, faith, religion, righteousness, sacred law, justice, ethics, morality and soon. The second most important goal of life is “Artha”. Artha means wealth. Hinduism recognizes the importance of material wealth for the over all happiness and well being of an individual. “Kāma” in its narrow sense denotes to sexual desire, but in its broader sense it stands for all sensual pleasure. The ultimate goal of human life is “Moksha”. “Moksha” means self-realization which is the state of the complete cessation of all sufferings. In the modern world, the society it self progresses through the use of huge technological methods, forgetting the final destination of our life. Today, the ancient concept of Puruṣārthas in Mahābhārata, has been changed in its reality to practice. The traditional meaning of Puruṣārthas has been diluted today. In this paper, I attempt to explore the impact of Puruṣārthas in Modern life.