Ayurveda and Dharma
The Vedic texts describe 4 goals to life. These include Dharma, Kama, Artha and Moksha. Called Purushartha, these 4 aims are meant to help us live the most fulfilled life possible.
Kama represents pleasure or desire. This often relates to pleasure through the senses. By avoiding over-indulgence of the senses we are able to let go of attachments and work through our samskaras. If we can connect our goals to a higher consciousness we experience pleasure and joy beyond that which material objects can offer.
Artha represents prosperity. In this goal of life we accumulate - a career, financial accumulation, a family, material items, etc. This doesn’t necessarily mean that people have to earn extraneous amounts of money to achieve the goals of Artha. Prosperity in Artha can be experienced through improvements to physical and mental health as well. The accumulation of wealth should be done in a way that keeps spirituality at the forefront of action.
Dharma represents service, to fulfill our duty - to be aligned in the laws of nature, to live in our unique purpose. By following Ayurvedic principles we purify the senses and generate insight into what our dharma truly is. Instead of going through life with a sole attachment to money or accumulation of material objects, we recognize our purpose is beyond material gratification. Instead, life becomes one of service.
Moksha represents liberation and the highest level of truth. Based on our experiences in Kama, Artha and Dharma we are able to develop in Moksha. We are able to destruct karmas and a higher sense of wisdom and understanding is established.
Ayurveda teaches us how to live in harmony with ourselves, those around us, and nature. By following our dharma we are able to create more consistent balance in our life. When we are living in a state of imbalance, we may struggle to see clearly what our dharma truly is.
We suggest asking yourself the following questions: What are your unique gifts that you can bring to the world? Not in comparison to the gifts of others, but your own.
It may take years of practice and experience to understand our dharma. The connection to our Dharma can seem illusive and absent at times in our life. Keeping faith and taking right action, understanding that our Dharma reveals in time. Patience, perseverance and practice.
With love from the Lakshmi Team, we wish you a beautiful day 
