The compound word Purushartha is a comprised of Purusha and Artha. Purusha refers to the undying essential nature that is consciousness, “what is hidden within.” Artha, refers to the purpose or goal of life. Combining the meaning of the two sections of this compound word we arrive at the purpose or goals of life for an individual’s divine essence or soul purpose. As Tantric scholar Professor Douglas Brooks of the University of Rochester states: 

What the Rig Veda suggests is that the purusharthas are the inherent values of the universe. The cosmos is considered a living being, and the issues of law, prosperity, desire, and freedom belong to it. These are not just human concerns or psychological concepts. When we engage them as human beings, we are aligning the microcosm with the macrocosm. The cosmos is all laid out for you; your job is to get with the program.

According to the ancient Ayurvedic text by Charaka, The Charaka Samhita, ancient Rishis were concerned about the poor state of health of humankind in general. A meeting of great sages was called and convened in Chityarata, located in the foothills of the Himalayas with the goal of finding a way to alleviate the suffering of humankind.

The Rishis sat together asking god for divine insight. With pure intention, they meditated and transcended into the experience of Pure Consciousness gaining access to Cosmic Intelligence. In this state, they received the the knowledge of all the laws of nature in seed form which included the life knowledge of Ayurveda from Lord Indra. The Rishis called all these insights Veda. 

Ayurveda prepared humankind for Yogic practices by providing a way for people to cleanse, heal, and balance the body. In this healthy state they could pursue the Four Aims of Life and achieve enlightenment. Traditionally, the practice of Ayurveda preceded Yoga and, once yogic practices were introduced, the Ayurveda and Yoga remained inextricably entwined. 

COPYRIGHT © 2018 by Barbara E. Verchot