Hinduism doesn’t just ask “What is the meaning of life?”—it hands you a structured answer.

That answer is the Purusharthas: the four core goals or aims of human life—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Together, they form a holistic life design framework that balances ethics, ambition, pleasure, and spiritual freedom.

For a modern seeker, the Purusharthas function like a four-part compass:

How do I live with integrity? (Dharma)

How do I create material stability and impact? (Artha)

How do I honor desire, joy, and connection? (Kama)

How do I move toward deep inner freedom? (Moksha)

This article unpacks each goal in clear language and shows how you can use them to design a balanced, purpose-driven life.