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Part 1 |
MAN, the period of whose life is one hundred years, should practise Dharma, Artha and Kama at
different times and in such a manner that they may harmonize together and not clash in any way. He
should acquire learning in his childhood, in his youth and middle age he should attend to Artha and
Kama, and in his old age he should perform Dharma, and thus seek to gain Moksha, i.e. release
from further transmigration. Or, on account of the uncertainty of life, he may practise them at times
when they are enjoined to be practised. But one thing is to be noted, he should lead the life of a
religious student until he finishes his education.
Dharma is obedience to the command of the Shastra or Holy Writ of the Hindoos to do certain
things, such as the performance of sacrifices, which are not generally done, because they do not
belong to this world, and produce no visible effect; and not to do other things, such as eating meat,
which is often done because it belongs to this world, and has visible effects.
Dharma should be learnt from the Shruti (Holy Writ), and from those conversant with it.
Artha is the acquisition of arts, land, gold, cattle, wealth, equipages and friends. It is, further, the
protection of what is acquired, and the increase of what is protected.
Artha should be learnt from the king's officers, and from merchants who may be versed in the ways
of commerce.
Kama is the enjoyment of appropriate objects by the five senses of hearing, feeling, seeing, tasting
and smelling, assisted by the mind together with the soul. |
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