The ancient Indian story of Mahabharata tells the tale of the Pandavas, five brothers debating the most crucial thing to strive for in life. Each brother championed a different aspect:
- Yudhishthira, the eldest and known for his fairness, believed following the right path (Dharma) was most important. He thought it was the foundation for everything else.
- Arjuna, the brave warrior, argued for reaching a state of peace and freedom (Moksha), stating it as the ultimate goal.
- Nakula and Sahadeva, the twins, favored having enough resources (Artha), reasoning that wealth is necessary for living righteously and achieving freedom.
- Bhima, the strongman, surprised everyone by choosing wanting things (Kama), explaining that desires fuel the pursuit of following the right path, achieving freedom, and even having enough resources.
This discussion beautifully shows the four important parts of life i.e Dharma, Artha, Kaama, and Moksha, each with its unique purpose:
1. Dharma: The Guide to Righteousness and Non-Violence
Dharma means “following the right path” or “doing the right thing.” It refers to the main principle guiding our actions and choices. It’s like a guide, ensuring we stay true to our values and act ethically in all situations.
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is often cited as the paramount dharma, emphasizing the importance of causing no harm to oneself or others, in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The story of Satya Harishchandra serves as a timeless example of upholding dharma. Even in a situation where his wife was about to be beheaded, he refused to tell a lie, staying true to his Dharma of speaking the truth all the time.
2. Artha: The Foundation of Feeling Safe and Secure
Artha refers to our material well-being, encompassing basic needs like food, shelter, and safety. In today’s world, this often translates to having enough resources to meet these basic needs. Importantly, scriptures emphasize acquiring wealth through ethical means, also known as the dharmic way.
This means ensuring your work and practices do not cause harm to any living being or the environment. Think of it like a lion, who hunts only to survive, not for fun. Earning wealth through unethical ways, often called the non-dharmic way, can create fear and anxiety instead of a sense of security.
If wealth is acquired through violence, exploitation, or destruction, it can never bring true happiness or lasting satisfaction.
3. Kama: Embracing Good Desires and Distinguishing Needs from Wants
Kama refers to our desires and feelings, a natural part of being human. It motivates us to strive for goals and experience joy. However, it’s crucial to ensure our desires align with following the right path (dharma).
From a yogic perspective, practicing Kama means being fully present in the moment and understanding the real difference between needing something and simply wanting it. Like the lion, who only hunts when it’s hungry and understands the difference between need and want, we should only pursue what we truly need, not fleeting desires.
This conscious distinction between needs and wants helps us avoid unnecessary suffering and guides us toward fulfilling desires that truly contribute to our well-being and happiness.
4. Moksha: The Ultimate Goal
Moksha, often translated as “freedom,” is considered the ultimate goal of life. It represents a state of being free from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. However, it’s not an external prize to be “won.” Rather, it’s a natural outcome of living a life guided by following the right path, having enough resources, and embracing good desires in their true essence, which includes understanding the distinction between needs and wants.
It’s also mentioned in Patanjali yoga sutra 1.3 — “Tada drashtuh svarupe avasthanam” which means that at the time of concentration and meditation, the seer, of the soul, witnesses the Self in its own nature and gets established as ultimate truth.
In simple words, when we apply Dharma, Artha, and Kama in every step of our life it leads us closer to Moksha. If we deviate from these 3 then the path will move away from Moksha.
Finding Balance: The Key to a Happy Life
These four important parts are not meant to be pursued separately. They are connected and depend on each other. Leading a balanced and happy life requires integrating them harmoniously.
Following the right path provides direction and purpose while having enough resources ensures the security to explore these paths. Kama, when channeled correctly through understanding the difference between needs and wants, fuels our motivation and drive to pursue what truly matters. And ultimately, pursuing all three with integrity leads us closer to the state of freedom.
Remember, the Mahabharata story doesn’t declare a single “winner.” Each part holds significant value, and the path forward lies in finding the right balance for your life.