History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c99.1829

v7.c99.1829

Puruṣārthas (goals of human life), (*vide* mokṣa, sannyāsa): are four, Dharma (actions prescribed by Śāstra, doing one's duties), Artha (economics, politics, civics), Kāma (enjoyment of pleasures and aesthetics) and Mokṣa (liberation), the last being the highest to be attained only by a few, 921n, 1510-11, 1626-32; Bhagavadgītā demands a life dedicated to active work and regards doing one's duty as worship 1511; enjoyment of sexual life and pleasures not in conflict with Dharma is not condemned by Manu and other śāstras and in the Gītā (VII. 11) Kṛṣṇa identifies himself with Kāma not in conflict with Dharma 1511, Mahābhārata is the śāstra of all p. acc to Mārkaṇḍeya 819n; Manu states conclusion that there are three p. for all men and condemns premature Sannyāsa resorted to before fulfilling one's duties (one's three debts) 1511, Ṛgveda contains prayers for health, happiness and a life of hundred years 1510-11.