In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, one of the four goals of human life, specifically referring to wealth, prosperity, or material success and security.
From Sanskrit 'artha' meaning wealth, prosperity, or purpose, from the root 'arth-' meaning to serve or benefit. It's a foundational concept in Indian philosophy codified in texts like the Arthashastra.
The four Hindu goals—dharma (duty), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation)—form a philosophy that wealth isn't evil if pursued ethically, a radical idea for a culture that also deeply values renunciation.
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