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Purushartha and Righteous Living Today — 2021 Paper II
Question · 2021 · Paper II · 10 Marks
Purushartha and righteous living today
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Explain the concept of Purushartha and assess its relevance as a framework for righteous living in contemporary society.
- Structuring the Response: Define the four Purusharthas, explain their interrelationship, and then establish their contemporary ethical and social relevance.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha; balance between material and moral life; social obligations; self-restraint; contemporary constitutional and ethical values.
Model Answer
Introduction
Purushartha refers to the four legitimate goals of human life—Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha—in classical Indian thought. Together, they provide a holistic framework combining moral responsibility, material well-being, human desires and spiritual fulfilment.
Purusharthas
- Dharma: Refers to righteous conduct, duty and moral-social obligations. It provides the normative framework for pursuing other goals.
- Artha: Includes wealth, livelihood, political power and material security. Its pursuit is legitimate when regulated by Dharma.
- Kama: Denotes emotional, aesthetic and sensual fulfilment. Human desires are accepted but expected to operate within ethical limits.
- Moksha: Refers to liberation from attachment and the cycle of worldly existence, representing the transcendental goal of life.
Dharma → regulates → Artha + Kama → facilitates → Moksha
Relevance for righteous living today
- Ethical economy: Artha under Dharma discourages corruption, exploitation and unethical accumulation.
- Responsible consumption: Kama accepts human aspiration while emphasizing restraint.
- Social responsibility: Dharma links individual rights with duties towards family, society and nature.
- Balanced life: The framework avoids both excessive materialism and complete world-renunciation.
- Ecological relevance: Restraint and interdependence can support sustainable lifestyles.
However, traditional notions of Dharma must today be interpreted in harmony with equality, dignity and constitutional morality, rather than hereditary or hierarchical obligations.
Conclusion
Purushartha remains relevant because it seeks a balance between prosperity, desire, ethical responsibility and self-realisation, provided its contemporary application is guided by equality and human dignity.
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