Yoga and PuruÐÁrthas: Some Reflections on Life in the New Millennium

Suamba, Ida Bagus Putu (2009) Yoga and PuruÐÁrthas: Some Reflections on Life in the New Millennium. In: Yoga The Ancient Tradition in the New Millennium. The Associated Publishers, Delhi, India. ISBN 8184290993

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Abstract

This paper tries to reflect on some salient features of human life in the new millennium, which is characterized by perhaps imbalances, inequities, and disharmony. The increasingly achievements in sciences and technology appear to be followed by decreasing of morality or ethical values. Humanity is actually in danger. Modern life style in which rationalization of any reasons play vital role is suspected to be become the sole reason. There seem to be disparity between idea and actual life, thought and practice in life. The pursuit of human goals nowadays seems to be clustering around artha and kama, and unfortunately the endeavor accomplished without ethical values as the guiding principles. Purusartha is a comprehensive philosophy of life according to ancient Indian traditions. In order to achieve artha and kama which are to be desired, dharma should be used to control such unchecked desire that can cause either anti social elements. All desired are not automatically PuruÐÁrthas. Yoga, both of metaphysics and ethical sides, as a spiritual way for higher realization can be implemented along with dharma as an ethical value, because both are vehicles for the attainment of the mokùa, maha purusartha. Dharma behaves as ethical basis, while yoga is a way or method to turn to dharma, to concentration, by which individual is ready to undertake any of purusarthas. In addition, yoga can make those pursuits of artha, and kama in balance, in an orderly condition which will not certainly dehumanize them. In that case, the achievement of artha and kàma can be regarded as the stepping stone for reaching the higher goal. Yoga also makes balance between niwretti and prawretti; between body, mind and soul. The achievement of moksa (liberation) as the mahà purusartha is ultimately a yoga.

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