Goals of life

Dharma (duty on the path of righteousness) is one of the goals of life as per the scriptures, along with artha (prosperity) , kama (pleasure) and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death). One must lead a balanced life to attain the above goals. To achieve artha and kama without the practice of dharma is not the right way. Of the 4, moksha is the ultimate goal, but the transcendence of the other 3 basic goals is required to attain the ultimate goal, moksha. If one has obtained the 3 basic goals, one is satisfied and no longer subject to intense desires or cravings, hence, it is easier to transcend these desires, which is a prerequisite to attain the ultimate goal, which is moksha.

One who has not attained the basic goals will still have some attachments and unfulfilled desires which will prevent him from attaining moksha. One who does not perform his duties according to dharma can never attain moksha. One who refrains from action and tolerates injustice is not on the path of dharma. If one performs his duties for the welfare of the world, artha and kama will follow. The nature of artha and kama is such that if one chases them for their own sake, they will slip and not stay for long within one's grasp, but when one performs actions as a sacrifice according to his unique capabilities for the best interests of the world, they will be attained automatically. Even the enjoyment of wealth and pleasures should be carried out with detachment. If one is incapable of enjoying wealth and pleasure without attachment, it will be an impediment to obtaining the ultimate goal. The path to moksha is by staying on the path of dharma, and to enjoy life as a whole without attachment.