THE CONCEPT OF PURUSHARTHA IN THE INDIAN INTELLECTUAL TRADITION

Abstract

Spirituality and values appear to be inextricably intertwined. Whenever we embark upon a specific path in life—or find ourselves contemplating which direction our lives ought to take—the concept that invariably confronts us is that of guidance. Needless to say, the practical application of this concept proves equally compelling to us. Within the tradition of Indian wisdom, whenever we have sought to explore any subject, our minds have consistently gravitated toward the fundamental spiritual truths underlying it. Consequently, the intrinsic insights—and their virtuous manifestation across all beings—have been presented to us with such elegance that they have resonated with us with equal profundity. Even amidst the quest for Purushartha (the ultimate aims of human life), we are compelled to advance with such steadfast devotion toward these values. As a result, the evaluation of knowledge itself emerges as a matter of equal significance. Thus, we become deeply contemplative in our endeavor to realize a consciousness grounded in knowledge. Within the framework of Indian intellectual tradition, the concept of Purushartha has, in our perception, assumed a significance equal to that of knowledge itself.