Introduction
In the labyrinth of modern life, where success is often measured by material accumulation alone, ancient Bhāratīya wisdom offers a profound framework for meaningful existence. The Kāmandaka Nītisāra, a classical treatise on statecraft and ethics, presents a revolutionary understanding of how life should be pursued through its elegant verse on the triad of human aspirations: Dharma, Artha, and Kāma.
This timeless wisdom, preserved through centuries and illuminated by scholarly commentaries, provides a roadmap for living that transcends cultural boundaries and temporal limitations. It speaks to the universal human quest for a life that is not merely successful but truly fulfilling.
The Sacred Verse: A Blueprint for Life
The foundational verse states:
धर्मादर्थोऽर्थतः कामः कामात् सुखफलोदयः ।
आत्मानं हन्ति तौ हत्वा युक्त्या यो न निषेवते ॥ ५१ ॥
dharmādartho 'rthataḥ kāmaḥ kāmāt sukhaphalodayaḥ |
ātmānaṁ hanti tau hatvā yuktyā yo na niṣevate ||
"From dharma arises artha (wealth), from artha comes kāma (desire fulfillment), and from kāma arises happiness. One who neglects to follow these with proper balance destroys both them and oneself."
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