Hinduism considers man’s life as a long journey towards perfection. In this journey, natural desires and inclinations of man to possess and enjoy the good things of life cannot be overlooked. Hence, the Dharmashastras, which are ancient texts prescribing moral and ethical guidelines, provide for these desires in their scheme of life while amplifying the theory of the puruṣārthas (the four aims of human life). The four puruṣārthas are:
- Dharma (righteousness and duty)
- Artha (wealth and prosperity)
- Kama (pleasure and desires)
- Moksha (liberation and spiritual freedom)
Great care has been taken to give detailed rules and
regulations for the acquisition of artha (wealth) and the pursuit of kama
(pleasure) within the framework of dharma (moral and ethical duties). This
ensures that the pursuit of material and sensual pleasures does not lead to
chaos or moral decay but is harmonized with societal norms and individual
duties. The Dharmashastras provide a comprehensive guide on how to balance
these aspects of life effectively.
For example, the Manusmriti, one of the most important
Dharmashastras, outlines specific guidelines on how one should earn wealth and
seek pleasure while maintaining righteousness. It recognizes that human beings
have intrinsic desires for material success and sensual pleasure but emphasizes
that these pursuits should be conducted within the bounds of dharma to ensure
social order and personal integrity.
Moreover, the Dharmashastras highlight that while artha and
kama are important, they should not be the ultimate goals of life. Following in
the footsteps of the Jnana Khanda (the section that deals with spiritual
wisdom) of the Vedas, these texts always stress the importance of striving for
moksha or liberation as the summum bonum (the highest good) of life. Moksha
represents the ultimate release from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and
the attainment of a state of eternal bliss and union with the divine.
The Manusmriti, particularly in verses 12.116 to 125,
elaborates on this idea by underscoring the impermanence of material wealth and
sensual pleasures, and the enduring significance of spiritual liberation. It
encourages individuals to pursue a balanced life where they fulfill their
worldly duties and desires while always keeping the ultimate goal of moksha in
sight.
In summary, the Dharmashastras provide a holistic framework for living a balanced life that accommodates human desires for wealth and pleasure but insists on their regulation within the bounds of righteousness. Ultimately, they guide individuals towards the pursuit of spiritual liberation, presenting it as the highest aim of human existence.