Is your balance out of whack? Hormonal imbalance vs Purushartha imbalance

In my previous blog post, I discussed the critical balance among the four Purusharthas: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation). When these elements are not in harmony, the result is akin to experiencing a hormonal imbalance—immediate and often disruptive. Here’s a deeper look, with real-life examples and structured points for clarity:

• Imbalance and Its Visibility: Just like hormonal imbalances are quickly noticeable, a misalignment among the Purusharthas is evident, though often overlooked. By observing people around us, we can spot numerous instances where this imbalance manifests:
• A successful businessperson (Artha) neglecting family and ethical practices (Dharma).
• An individual pursuing personal desires (Kama) at the expense of societal welfare and moral obligations.
• The Role of Dharma: Our scriptures mention avatars descending to restore balance, highlighting the importance of Dharma. Upholding universal truths and ethical practices is essential in every aspect of life:
• Ethical business practices leading to profit (Artha) are commendable.
• Fulfilling desires, whether for material objects like cars or personal relationships, is acceptable when guided by Dharma.
• Pursuit of Moksha: Realizing the importance of going beyond worldly pleasures and seeking spiritual liberation (Moksha) is a noble pursuit, but it comes with responsibilities:
• Before seeking Moksha, ensure that your actions driven by Dharma, Artha, and Kama have not adversely affected others. Your legacy should leave them in a position equal to or better than before your quest.
• Abandoning responsibilities and leaving tasks unfinished is contrary to Dharma and denies others their chance at Moksha.

Understanding these principles clearly requires a calm and focused mind. Observing the world around us through the lens of the Purusharthas can offer insightful perspectives on personal and societal behaviors, guiding us towards a balanced and fulfilling life.

Where are you at?

The Ashrama system of Hinduism is a spiritual guidebook for adulting, ancient-style, neatly dividing life into four ‘seasons’. It’s about personal growth, responsibility, and ultimately, finding your chill. So let’s break down these ‘seasons’ with a dash of humor and some relatable modern-day analogies:

Brahmacharya: The Tutorial Level

• Objective: Learn the basics, acquire skills, and survive puberty.
• Challenges: Acne, first crushes, and the dreaded question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
• Achievements to Unlock: Graduating without Googling every answer, mastering the art of small talk, and not burning the house down while attempting to cook.
• Modern Twist: Think of it as the time when your life is a free trial subscription. You’re not yet fully subscribed to the ‘adult’ package with all its perks and responsibilities.

Grihastha: The Get-It-Together Game

• Objective: Establish your empire, aka a family, a career, and a 401(k).
• Challenges: Balancing work-life, remembering your partner’s favorite Netflix series, and raising kids to be decent human beings.
• Achievements to Unlock: Buying your first house (and fixing the plumbing), attending parent-teacher conferences without a hitch, and actually going on a vacation without bringing your work laptop.
• Modern Twist: It’s the ultimate role-playing game where you’re cast as the hero, and every day is a new side quest – from grocery shopping achievements to the legendary task of assembling furniture without leftover parts.

Vanaprastha: The Quest for the ‘Me Time’

• Objective: Gradually step away from societal roles, pass the baton to the younger generation, and focus on personal growth.
• Challenges: Resisting the urge to micromanage your adult kids, finding hobbies that don’t involve just watching TV, and not turning into a stereotypical ‘get off my lawn’ person.
• Achievements to Unlock: Mastering an instrument, traveling to places you’ve only pinned on Pinterest, and starting a blog about your ‘adventures’.
• Modern Twist: Think of it as hitting the ‘refresh’ button on your browser. The kids are alright, and it’s time to update your bucket list – skydiving, anyone?

Sanyasa: The Enlightenment Expansion Pack

• Objective: Seek spiritual liberation and enlightenment, shedding material desires like last season’s fashion.
• Challenges: Finding inner peace in a world buzzing with notifications, meditating deeper than your yoga instructor, and not bragging about your detachment.
• Achievements to Unlock: Reaching a state of zen where you can actually hear yourself think, becoming one with nature (without the bug bites), and imparting wisdom that sounds tweet-worthy.
• Modern Twist: This is the ultimate ‘unplugged’ experience. No more chasing promotions, it’s all about chasing sunsets and the meaning of life – maybe even start your own podcast on spirituality for the modern soul.

In essence, the Ashrama system is about evolving through various phases of life, each with its unique set of quests and challenges. It’s a reminder that life is not just about the destination, it’s about enjoying the journey, learning new skills, nurturing relationships, and eventually, finding peace within ourselves. So, as you level up through life’s stages, remember to pause and appreciate each level – because, unlike video games, there’s no reset button on the cosmic controller.

So, where are you at?