पुरुषार्थ
English meaning: Goals of life
Definition
The four aims of human life in Hindu philosophy: Dharma (righteousness/duty), Artha (wealth/prosperity), Kama (love/desire), and Moksha (liberation). Together they provide a comprehensive framework for leading a balanced and meaningful life.
Example
“धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाः चत्वारः पुरुषार्थाः सन्ति।”
In English: “Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha are the four aims of life.”
Another example: “धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाः चत्वारः पुरुषार्थाः।”
Usage — When, Where & How
A philosophical-social noun (puruṣa 'man' + artha 'aim') for the four legitimate aims of human life; used in ethical, Dharmaśāstra and everyday cultural discourse, usually in the plural for the set of four.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
Compound of पुरुष (puruṣa) 'man, person' + अर्थ (artha) 'aim, goal, purpose' (from √ऋ 'to attain'); literally 'the aim/object of (human) life'.
Synonyms
- पुरुषप्रयोजन
- जीवनलक्ष्य
Related Words
Common Collocations
- चतुर्विधपुरुषार्थ
- पुरुषार्थचतुष्टय
- धर्मार्थकाममोक्ष
- पुरुषार्थसाधन
Word Forms
m., a-stem; nom. पुरुषार्थः, acc. पुरुषार्थम्, pl. पुरुषार्थाः, gen. पुरुषार्थस्य
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“योगस्थः कुरु कर्माणि सङ्गं त्यक्त्वा धनञ्जय।”
/Yogasthaḥ kuru karmāṇi saṅgaṃ tyaktvā Dhanañjaya./
“Perform actions fixed in yoga, abandoning attachment, O Arjuna.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M