Artha-shastra is about generating food, i.e. wealth, by creating goods and services; Kama-shastra is about indulging our hungers with this food. Dharma-shastra insists we consider the hunger of others, while Moksha-shastra is about outgrowing our hungers, in order to be detached and generous. Together, these four Hindu shastras provide a framework within which human action, its purposes and consequences, can be defined; together, they validate human existence and give it meaning. In Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Devdutt Pattanaik uses his unique understanding of mythology to provide an accessible and lucid guide to the Hindu way of thinking, with short essays that are crisp expositions of important concepts.

In Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Devdutt Pattanaik uses his unique understanding of mythology to provide an accessible and lucid guide to the Hindu way of thinking, with short essays that are crisp expositions of important concepts.

Artha-shastra is about generating food, i.e. wealth, by creating goods and services; Kama-shastra is about indulging our hungers with this food. Dharma-shastra insists we consider the hunger of others, while Moksha-shastra is about outgrowing our hungers, in order to be detached and generous. Together, these four Hindu shastras provide a framework within which human action, its purposes and consequences, can be defined; together, they validate human existence and give it meaning. In Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Devdutt Pattanaik uses his unique understanding of mythology to provide an accessible and lucid guide to the Hindu way of thinking, with short essays that are crisp expositions of important concepts."

A riveting account of love and desireIndia is the only civilization to elevate kama-desire and pleasure-to a goal of life. Kama is both cosmic and human energy, which animates life and holds it in place. Gurcharan Das weaves a compelling narrative soaked in philosophical, historical and literary ideas in the third volume of his trilogy on life's goals: India Unbound was the first, on artha, 'material well-being'; and The Difficulty of Being Good was the second, on dharma, 'moral well-being'. Here, in his magnificent prose, he examines how to cherish desire in order to live a rich, flourishing life, arguing that if dharma is a duty to another, kama is a duty to oneself. It sheds new light on love, marriage, family, adultery and jealousy as it wrestles with questions such as these: How to nurture desire without harming others or oneself? Are the erotic and the ascetic two aspects of our same human nature? What is the relationship between romantic love and bhakti, the love of god

The book basically deals with philosophy of Hinduism which consists of four main objectives that can be achieved only in this life on earth, and none other. On the basis of the study of ancient spiritual thoughts, the author has made an honest endeavour to briefly explain the contents of these objectives and how to achieve them. Human life is a priceless gift of God and has a divine purpose. It should not be wasted in mundane pursuits. This is a must-read for all sensible persons who are striving to know the true purpose of their existence on earth.

Unveiling the Ancient Hindu Secret to a Fulfilling Life: Explore the Four Purusharthas Feeling lost in the daily grind? Longing for a life filled with purpose and meaning? The ancient wisdom of Hinduism offers a profound answer through the concept of the Purusharthas - the four goals of human life. This comprehensive guide delves into each Purushartha, unveiling their significance and how they can empower you to create a fulfilling life: Dharma: The Foundation of Righteous Conduct: Discover the core principle of Dharma, guiding you towards ethical decision-making, fulfilling your responsibilities, and living a life of integrity. Artha: Achieving Material Security with Purpose: Learn how to achieve financial well-being and stability without sacrificing your values. Explore responsible ways to pursue Artha and how it supports your overall journey. Kama: Embracing Healthy Desires for a Fulfilling Life: Unleash the positive power of Kama! Explore the difference between healthy desires and fleeting cravings. Discover how to cultivate passions, nurture fulfilling relationships, and experience the joy of life. Moksha: The Ultimate Goal of Liberation: Explore the concept of Moksha, the ultimate liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Learn how the pursuit of other Purusharthas contributes to achieving Moksha and living a life of inner peace. But the Purusharthas aren't just separate goals. They are meant to be integrated and balanced. This guide explores the importance of finding harmony between these four pillars, offering practical tips and strategies for: Prioritizing the Purusharthas Throughout Life Stages: Discover how the emphasis on each Purushartha might shift as you navigate different phases of life, from building a foundation in your youth to seeking liberation in later years. Overcoming Challenges on Your Path: Life throws curveballs. Learn how to navigate obstacles like greed, external pressures, and setbacks with resilience and self-awareness, staying true to your values. Finding Support in Community: Explore the power of Sangha, the spiritual community that uplifts, guides, and supports you on your journey towards living a life guided by the Purusharthas. This guide is more than just an explanation of ancient wisdom. It's a practical roadmap to: Make Conscious Choices: Align your actions with your values and create a life of integrity. Find Purpose and Meaning: Discover your passions and contribute positively to the world around you. Embrace Balance and Harmony: Integrate all aspects of life for a fulfilling and joyful existence. Navigate the Modern World: See how the ancient wisdom of the Purusharthas remains relevant in today's fast-paced and complex world. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or simply curious about finding greater meaning in life, this exploration of the Purusharthas offers valuable insights and practical tools. Embark on your journey towards a fulfilling life today!

“Desire is here to stay. The challenge we all face, and which I intend to guide you through, is to learn how to take into account the full measure of who you are and use the positive force of all four of your soul’s desires to lead you to your best life.” —Rod Stryker According to ancient Yogic tradition, your soul has four distinct desires: • The desire for purpose, the drive to become who you are meant to be • The desire for the means (money, security, health) to prosper in this world • The desire for pleasures like intimacy, beauty, and love • The desire for spiritual fulfillment and lasting freedom Learning to honor these four desires is the key to happiness, and to a complete and balanced life. But how can you discern what will truly satisfy your desires? How can you increase your capacity to achieve them? What if your desires seem to conflict with one another? Is it really possible to live a spiritual life while also wanting material pleasures and success? For more than three decades, master teacher Rod Stryker has taught yoga in the context of its deepest philosophy. His course, called The Yoga of Fulfillment™, has helped thousands recognize their soul’s call to greatness and to achieve their dreams. Now, in this wise and richly practical book, he has distilled those broad teachings into a roadmap for becoming the person you were meant to be. It is filled with revealing true stories, provocative exercises, and practices for unlocking your inner guidance. And even if you’ve never done a yoga pose, you can follow this step-by-step process to: • discover your soul’s unique purpose—the one you came into this world to fulfill. • recognize the goal(s) you need to focus on at any given time and enliven your capacity to reach them. • overcome self-defeating ideas and behavior. • recruit your deepest energies and strengthen your resolve to meet any challenge. • learn to live with joy at every stage of your growth. The Four Desires is nothing less than a complete path toward living your best life possible—a life that is rich in meaning and in means, a life that attracts and emanates happiness, a life that is your unique gift to yourself and the world.