The Purusharthas

The Purusharthas are the 4 goals of human existence, or the 4 desires of the soul.

They appear in the earliest texts, are a microcosm of the macrocosm,

are said to be the inherent values of the universe,

and we need to nurture all 4.

The question is,

am I arranging my life in service to the needs and desires of my soul.

And is this happening consciously or otherwise?

Dharma - the desire for meaning and purpose.

Artha - the desire for the resources to be able to carry out your dharma.

Kama - the desire for pleasure and beauty.

Moksha - the desire for freedom.

The Tantric scholar Douglas Brooks says "the cosmos is considered a living being and the issues of law, prosperity, desire and freedom belong to it."

So these are more than isolated human concerns or psychological concepts, their intent and value also applies on a universal level.

So, its saying the cosmos is laying out a path for you

and your job is to get on the program.

Dharma has many layers and many meanings.

It can be described as duty, ethics or right action. Its basically living in harmony with the natural intelligence of the universe and playing out your unique part, using your unique skills, in that unfolding of the natural order.

Artha is prosperity, security, having the comforts to live with ease, and the resources required to live out your dharma.

Kama is the desire for pleasure in all forms, to experience beauty and a rich and full life. The discerning factor here is to distinguish between which pursuits stem from egoic tendencies or are they desires that fuel your soul.

And moksha is liberation. Having the freedom to fulfill your potential, to feel connected to life, and the freedom to express yourself as honestly and creatively as you can. To feel peace and expansion no matter what is going on.

If this tweaks your interest, please join us at Ironbark,

for a retreat or training, where we can dive deeper

into these practical and profound concepts and so much more.