The book basically deals with philosophy of Hinduism which consists of four main objectives that can be achieved only in this life on earth, and none other.

On the basis of the study of ancient spiritual thoughts, the author has made an honest endeavour to briefly explain the contents of these objectives and how to achieve them.

Human life is a priceless gift of God and has a divine purpose. It should not be wasted in mundane pursuits.

This is a must-read for all sensible persons who are striving to know the true purpose of their existence on earth.


About the author:

The author, J.M.Mehta has been devoting much of his time in reading and writing.

He has a deep interest in spirituality in general, and in ancient Indian philosophy in particular.

In spite of his advanced age and health problems, he is engaged in the regular study of scriptures relating to Hinduism.

Having built up a treasure house of thoughts, writing on related topics has become a mission of his remaining life.

The style of his writing is simple and concise.

Pustak Mahal has already published two of his books, The Wisdom of the Gita and Essence of Maharishi Patanjali’s Ashtang Yoga, both are worth reading.



CONTENTS:

Preface
1. Human Life
2. Four Objectives of Human Life
3. Dharma (True Religion)
• The Current Religious Scenario
4. Artha (Wealth)
• Role of Material Wealth
5. Kama (Fulfilment of Desires)
6. Moksha
7. Means to Achieve Moksha
8. Four Segments of Human Life (Ashram Set-Up)
9. Role of Ashram Set-up in the Present Time
10. Some Helpful Aids
• Good Health
• Pranayam
• Meditation
• Prayer
• Swadhyay
• Satsang
• Charity
• Ashtang Yoga
• Niyamas

Epilogue

AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK IS AS FOLLOWS:

Four Objectives of Human Life
According to the ancient Indian philosophy, human life has a definite aim, a final goal, that is required to be achieved. This goal may be achieved, either in the current span of life or in a series of lifespans. A human being remains entangled in the vicious circle of births and deaths, until the final goal is attained. This final goal of life has been described in different ways. We may call it liberation from pain and misery; freedom from birth and death; attainment of a perfect stage, total happiness, during bliss or Ananda. Some people may call it self-realisation or God-realisation. A popular word to denote the final goal of life is termed as Moksha which in common parlance means, liberation from all pain and misery. There could be no better goal of life than this. This is the highest achievement, the last desirable destination, the final goal of human life.

Now the question arises, how to achieve the final goal of life? In this material world, there are several smaller objectives or aims to be achieved. One has to make lot of efforts to achieve those objectives. For instance, one has to be steady, gain knowledge to complete education and then, one has to work harder to adopt a profession and be successful in one’s career. Earning one’s livelihood requires lot of efforts. Similarly, acquisition of wealth, property and other comforts of life demand hard work and continuous struggle. A human being has to go through a long and arduous path in order to achieve material wealth; name and fame, excellence in professional field, status, success and power and so on. These mundane achievements which we gather in the material world are insignificant in comparison with the highest goal of life. One can therefore, imagine how much harder one may have to work to achieve that goal.

The achievement of the final goal of life requires fulfilment of certain objectives or obligations. One has to crossover many milestones before the final destination is reached. Even in the material world, one has to acquire certain qualifications or meet particular standards, before one can achieve a desired target or objective of life. One has to meet higher standards and requires much superior qualifications to attain the goal in the spiritual domain, where the path is much more difficult, and efforts required are far more arduous. The attainment of this spiritual goal cannot be made possible in an instant or by some strange miracle of God. There has to be a well laid out path, a definite plan to achieve the goal. On the basis of their knowledge gained through the highest spiritual efforts (Sadhna), the ancient Indian spiritual scientists (called the Rishis) had discovered a plan of life to achieve the final goal of life. Accordingly, they had standardised certain OBJECTIVES of human life, for the guidance of all mankind. There are ‘FOUR OBJECTIVES OF HUMAN LIFE’, by following which, the highest goal of life can be achieved. These four objectives are as follows:

1. DHARMA – The religion or righteousness through right conduct.
2. ARTHA – Acquisition of wealth and its proper use.
3. KAMA – Fulfilment of noble desires.
4. MOKSHA – Liberation or the final goal.

It is essential to have the correct understanding of the above three objectives and to fulfil them, before the final objective can be achieved. Our present span of life is the duration between birth and death. During this lifespan, one is mainly pre-occupied with fulfilment of all sorts of desires arising in everyday life. Hence, there is the necessity of Artha or wealth. Thus, acquisition of wealth and its use in the fulfilment of numerous desires of life becomes the most important engagement of human life. In order to meet these requirements, engagements or desires of life in a proper and worthy manner, it is essential to regulate them under certain proper principles based on moral values. It is here that the role of Dharma is called for. It is therefore, utmost essential to understand and practise Dharma, while following the objectives of Artha and Kama and thus, pave the way for Moksha.

By following the above mentioned objectives, an individual can achieve the final goal of life in a single span of life or through a series of lifespans, depending upon the quality of efforts made earnestly, dedication and devotion, etc. of the aspirant.
We shall describe these objectives, in some detail, in the following chapters.