
, depending on the darsana, the school of thought. Purusha means "spirit", "immaterial essence", or "primaeval human being as the soul and original source of the universe". Puruṣārtha (पुरुषार्थ) is a composite Sanskrit word from Purusha (पुरुष) and Artha (अर्थ).

They proposed "action with renunciation" or "craving-free, dharma-driven action", also called Nishkama Karma as a possible solution to the tension. Historical Indian scholars recognized and debated the inherent tension between active pursuit of wealth (Artha) and pleasure (Kama), and renunciation of all wealth and pleasure for the sake of spiritual liberation (Moksha). At the same time, this is not a consensus among all Hindus, and many have different interpretations of the hierarchy, and even as to whether one should exist. Moksha is considered the ultimate goal of human life. Īll four Purusharthas are important, but in cases of conflict, Dharma is considered more important than Artha or Kama in Hindu philosophy. The four puruṣārthas are Dharma (righteousness, moral values), Artha (prosperity, economic values), Kama (pleasure, love, psychological values) and Moksha (liberation, spiritual values, self-actualization). It is a key concept in Hinduism, and refers to the four proper goals or aims of a human life.

Purushartha ( Sanskrit: पुरुषार्थ, IAST: Puruṣārtha) literally means "object(ive) of men".
