In yoga philosophy, the sages describe the Purusharthas, the four goals of human life:
Artha is often translated as wealth, prosperity, or purpose. It refers not only to material resources like money, home, and livelihood, but also to the structures and stability that support our lives. In this way, Artha is about creating the foundation we need to live our Dharma (life’s purpose), enjoy Kama (pleasure and love), and eventually move toward Moksha (freedom).
Rather than rejecting material needs, yoga philosophy acknowledges them as part of the human journey. The question is not whether to seek security, but how to pursue it in alignment with our values.
Artha requires balance. Too much attachment to wealth or possessions can lead to greed and distraction, while neglecting Artha can cause instability and stress. When approached with mindfulness, Artha allows us to:
We can experience Artha in yoga through poses that emphasize grounding, stability, and strength. Standing poses like Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) or Mountain Pose (Tadasana) remind us to root deeply into the earth, finding the steadiness that supports freedom of movement in the upper body.
When we practice balance poses or root into our breath during challenge, we also cultivate Artha — a sense of inner stability that supports us through life’s changes.
Some food for thought:
Artha is not simply about accumulating wealth; it is about creating the conditions for a meaningful, purposeful, and generous life. May we all find balance in Artha — building the ground beneath our feet so we can stand tall in our Dharma, enjoy the sweetness of Kama, and walk steadily toward Moksha.
- Dharma (duty and ethics),
- Artha (prosperity and purpose),
- Kama (pleasure and joy), and
- Moksha (spiritual liberation).
Artha is often translated as wealth, prosperity, or purpose. It refers not only to material resources like money, home, and livelihood, but also to the structures and stability that support our lives. In this way, Artha is about creating the foundation we need to live our Dharma (life’s purpose), enjoy Kama (pleasure and love), and eventually move toward Moksha (freedom).
Rather than rejecting material needs, yoga philosophy acknowledges them as part of the human journey. The question is not whether to seek security, but how to pursue it in alignment with our values.
Artha requires balance. Too much attachment to wealth or possessions can lead to greed and distraction, while neglecting Artha can cause instability and stress. When approached with mindfulness, Artha allows us to:
- Build security and stability in life.
- Provide for ourselves and our loved ones.
- Support generosity and service to others.
- Create space for spiritual practice and inner growth.
We can experience Artha in yoga through poses that emphasize grounding, stability, and strength. Standing poses like Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) or Mountain Pose (Tadasana) remind us to root deeply into the earth, finding the steadiness that supports freedom of movement in the upper body.
When we practice balance poses or root into our breath during challenge, we also cultivate Artha — a sense of inner stability that supports us through life’s changes.
Some food for thought:
- Where in your life do you feel secure and supported right now?
- Where could you create more stability — physically, emotionally, financially, or spiritually — to give yourself a stronger foundation for growth?
Artha is not simply about accumulating wealth; it is about creating the conditions for a meaningful, purposeful, and generous life. May we all find balance in Artha — building the ground beneath our feet so we can stand tall in our Dharma, enjoy the sweetness of Kama, and walk steadily toward Moksha.
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