A Philosophical Exposition of the Puru?

Abstract

One of the main concepts which under lies the Hindu attitude to life and daily conduct is that of the four ends of man (purushartha). The first of these is characterized by considerations of righteousness, duty and virtue. This is called dharma. There are other activities, however, through which a man seeks to gain something for himself or pursue his own pleasure. When the object of this activity is some material gain it is called artha; when it is love or pleasure it is called karma. Finally, there is the renunciation of all these activities with the aim of liberating oneself from the worldly life, this is moksha. These four are referred to as the “terrad” (caturlarga).