Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights into Happiness

by Devdutt Pattanaik

"Artha-shastra is about generating food, i.e. wealth, by creating goods and services; Kama-shastra is about indulging our hungers with this food. Dharma-shastra insists we consider the hunger of others, while Moksha-shastra is about outgrowing our hungers, in order to be detached and generous. Together, these four Hindu shastras provide a framework within which human action, its purposes and consequences, can be defined; together, they validate human existence and give it meaning. In Dharma Artha Kama Moksha, Devdutt Pattanaik uses his unique understanding of mythology to provide an accessible and lucid guide to the Hindu way of thinking, with short essays that are crisp expositions of important concepts."

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Sejuti Majumdar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is believed that our existence depends on the four pillars that is Dharma(duty), Artha(Wealth), Kama(Desire), Moksha(liberation)

In this book the author has written 40 essays where he talks about what our true duty should be, some information on wealth and business, our desires and show us that what we know today is very different from what it actually is mentioned in our Vedas and Puranas.

The book though has many difficult concepts and I had a tough time. Definitely not for beginners.

Rate 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟. 3/5

Thank you @harpercollinsin for the copy

[Prateek Saini · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit disappointing read.
I've read more than 10 books by Devdutt and what I've realized is that from the past 2-3 years the quality of content has degraded. I mean I've not seen anything new in his last few books.

Even this book is a collection of essays from his earlier works. Out of 40, I believe only 10-15 chapters were insightful.

If you have already read Mithya, Devlok(s), and My Gita then I would recommend skipping this one. Otherwise, you will love this one since Devdutt's perspective on Hindu mythology is unique, intuitive, and penetrative.

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights for Happiness by Devdutt Pattanaik:Feel's Quite Shallow and White Washy

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Review:

"Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights for Happiness" by Devdutt Pattanaik is a thought-provoking exploration of ancient Indian wisdom and its relevance to modern life. Through a series of insightful essays, Pattanaik delves into the four Purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha – offering readers a deeper understanding of these concepts and their implications for personal fulfillment and happiness.

Insightful Essays:
One of the strengths of the book lies in its collection of essays, each of which offers a unique perspective on the Purusharthas and their significance in contemporary society. Pattanaik draws upon a wide range of sources, from ancient scriptures to folk tales, to illuminate the timeless wisdom contained within these concepts. Whether discussing the principles of Dharma or exploring the complexities of desire and pleasure, Pattanaik's essays are engaging and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.

Comparative Analysis:
In comparison to its contemporaries in the genre of self-help and spiritual literature, such as Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now" and Deepak Chopra's "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success," "Dharma Artha Kama Moksha" offers a distinctly Indian perspective on happiness and fulfillment. While Tolle and Chopra focus on mindfulness and universal spiritual principles, Pattanaik grounds his insights in the rich tapestry of Indian mythology and philosophy, making them accessible to readers familiar with Hindu culture and tradition.

Critical Evaluation:
While "Dharma Artha Kama Moksha" offers valuable insights into ancient Indian wisdom, it may not resonate as strongly with readers who are not familiar with Hindu mythology and philosophy. Some readers may find the essays overly academic or esoteric, lacking practical guidance for everyday life. Additionally, Pattanaik's interpretation of certain concepts may be contentious, as his perspective is informed by his own cultural background and biases.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights for Happiness" by Devdutt Pattanaik is a thought-provoking exploration of ancient Indian wisdom and its relevance to modern life. While the book offers valuable insights into the Purusharthas and their implications for personal fulfillment, it may not appeal to all readers due to its academic tone and cultural specificity. Nevertheless, for those interested in exploring the intersection of spirituality and happiness from an Indian perspective, "Dharma Artha Kama Moksha" is a worthwhile read.

शीर्षक: धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष: देवदत्त पटनायक द्वारा खुशी के लिए 40 अंतर्दृष्टि

रेटिंग: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

समीक्षा:

देवदत्त पटनायक द्वारा लिखित "धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष: खुशी के लिए 40 अंतर्दृष्टि" प्राचीन भारतीय ज्ञान और आधुनिक जीवन में इसकी प्रासंगिकता का एक विचारोत्तेजक अन्वेषण है। व्यावहारिक निबंधों की एक श्रृंखला के माध्यम से, पटनायक चार पुरुषार्थों - धर्म, अर्थ, काम और मोक्ष - पर प्रकाश डालते हैं - पाठकों को इन अवधारणाओं और व्यक्तिगत संतुष्टि और खुशी के लिए उनके निहितार्थों की गहरी समझ प्रदान करते हैं।

ज्ञानवर्धक निबंध:
पुस्तक की एक ताकत इसके निबंधों के संग्रह में निहित है, जिनमें से प्रत्येक पुरुषार्थ और समकालीन समाज में उनके महत्व पर एक अद्वितीय दृष्टिकोण प्रस्तुत करता है। इन अवधारणाओं के भीतर निहित कालातीत ज्ञान को उजागर करने के लिए, पटनायक प्राचीन ग्रंथों से लेकर लोक कथाओं तक स्रोतों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला का उपयोग करते हैं। चाहे धर्म के सिद्धांतों पर चर्चा हो या इच्छा और आनंद की जटिलताओं की खोज, पटनायक के निबंध आकर्षक और विचारोत्तेजक हैं, जो पाठकों को अपने मूल्यों और विश्वासों पर विचार करने के लिए प्रेरित करते हैं।

तुलनात्मक विश्लेषण:
स्व-सहायता और आध्यात्मिक साहित्य की शैली में अपने समकालीनों की तुलना में, जैसे एकहार्ट टॉले की "द पावर ऑफ नाउ" और दीपक चोपड़ा की "सफलता के सात आध्यात्मिक नियम", "धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष" एक विशिष्ट भारतीय परिप्रेक्ष्य प्रदान करता है। ख़ुशी और संतुष्टि. जहां टोले और चोपड़ा सचेतनता और सार्वभौमिक आध्यात्मिक सिद्धांतों पर ध्यान केंद्रित करते हैं, वहीं पटनायक भारतीय पौराणिक कथाओं और दर्शन की समृद्ध टेपेस्ट्री में अपनी अंतर्दृष्टि को आधार बनाते हैं, जिससे वे हिंदू संस्कृति और परंपरा से परिचित पाठकों के लिए सुलभ हो जाते हैं।

महत्वपूर्ण मूल्यांकन:
जबकि "धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष" प्राचीन भारतीय ज्ञान में मूल्यवान अंतर्दृष्टि प्रदान करता है, यह उन पाठकों के साथ उतनी दृढ़ता से नहीं जुड़ सकता है जो हिंदू पौराणिक कथाओं और दर्शन से परिचित नहीं हैं। कुछ पाठकों को निबंध अत्यधिक अकादमिक या गूढ़ लग सकते हैं, जिनमें रोजमर्रा की जिंदगी के लिए व्यावहारिक मार्गदर्शन का अभाव है। इसके अतिरिक्त, कुछ अवधारणाओं के बारे में पटनायक की व्याख्या विवादास्पद हो सकती है, क्योंकि उनका दृष्टिकोण उनकी अपनी सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि और पूर्वाग्रहों से प्रेरित है।

निष्कर्ष:
अंत में, देवदत्त पटनायक द्वारा लिखित "धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष: खुशी के लिए 40 अंतर्दृष्टि" प्राचीन भारतीय ज्ञान और आधुनिक जीवन में इसकी प्रासंगिकता का एक विचारोत्तेजक अन्वेषण है। हालाँकि यह पुस्तक पुरुषार्थों और व्यक्तिगत पूर्ति के लिए उनके निहितार्थों में मूल्यवान अंतर्दृष्टि प्रदान करती है, लेकिन यह अपने अकादमिक लहजे और सांस्कृतिक विशिष्टता के कारण सभी पाठकों को पसंद नहीं आ सकती है। फिर भी, भारतीय दृष्टिकोण से आध्यात्मिकता और खुशी के अंतर्संबंध की खोज में रुचि रखने वालों के लिए, "धर्म अर्थ काम मोक्ष" पढ़ने लायक है।

[Sonyi Verma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a well-written and insightful guide to finding happiness in life. The author has taken the ancient teachings of Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha and applied them to modern life in a way that is both accessible and practical. The 40 insights in this book provide a clear and concise roadmap for anyone seeking to live a happier and more fulfilling life.

One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on the importance of balance in life. The author recognizes that we all have different needs and desires, and encourages readers to find their unique path to happiness by balancing their pursuit of wealth, pleasure, and spiritual growth. The insights provided in this book are grounded in wisdom and compassion, and the author's approach is both thoughtful and uplifting.

Another strength of this book is its accessibility. The author has done an excellent job presenting complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and the writing is engaging and enjoyable to read. Whether you are new to these concepts or have studied them for years, you will find something valuable in this book.

Overall, I recommend "Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights for Happiness" to anyone who is seeking an understanding of what it means to live a happy and fulfilling life. The insights provided in this book are practical, insightful, and inspiring, and the author's approach is both diplomatic and positive.

[Devki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four pillars of the Hindu scriptures explain how human beings can live a happy and meaningful life. They are:

• Dharma: ones responsibility to society
• Artha: achievement and success
• Kama: intimacy, sensual and sexual pleasures
• Moksha: outgrowing our hunters, freedom from the worldly sufferings
.
Through ancient as well as fresh takes on these scriptures, author Devdutt Pattanaik brings to us several insights about the four through his classic style.
.
Some very intriguing parts that I read were:
-The concept of Karma, and how we’re sometimes mistaken by what it truly means
-How prostitution gradually became a profession that was frowned upon and the contribution of the Indian courtesans to art and culture.
-When it is time to let go of your current position and move on when you’ve achieved all you can, just so somebody else can get their first chance at being you
-The law of fishes- A tiny fish needs its pot and pond, the big fish can manage in the sea. A wise leader always keeps an eye on the size of the fish and know when it’s time to throw it back into the sea.
-The century-old tradition of bull castration and the karmic burden, cruelty that it carries.
-‘Shudras’ in society. If we’re all doing service jobs, if we’re all ‘serving’ somebody, aren’t we all shudras? Weren’t the gods shudras?
.
.
Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha has fresh intakes and is very easy to understand, even if you aren’t well versed with Hindu Mythology (trust me, even I’m not). It’s refreshing and is full of hard-hitting facts pieced together.

[Bhawana Somaaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone by now is familiar with Devdutt Pattanaik and his knowledge of mythology, his versatility and prolificity. No wonder the publishers are always looking forward to come out with his books and almost all his books are bestsellers. He has explored so many topics and this time he talks about the four shastras that rule the existence of human life. Artha shastra is about accumulation of wealth, Kama shastra is about indulging in wealth, Dharma shastra is about thoughtfulness towards others beyond yourself and Moksha shastra is about detachment and evolvement. He relates it to mythological incidents so there are short essays that you can look forward to and skip a few if you don’t want to read all of them.

What is interesting about the book is that there are 40 chapters. Four broad topics (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha) and its 200 pages. And what they have done this time is they have packaged it with a Hindi one. So, it’s beautiful, a very good looking two books with rust cover and silver title and it’s a super gift item to give to someone. Even if that person is not drawn to mythology after seeing this seductive cover they definitely will be. My only worry was that if the book is covering these four topics why have they made the index into a repetitive four topics rather than divide it into four sections. Anyway, that’s the author and publisher’s choice. I am a big Devdutt Pattanaik fan so I loved the book and I think you should try it too.

[Craartology · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dharma Artha Kama Moksha: 40 Insights Into Happiness by Devdutt Pattanaik is a concise collection of interesting insights which lead to happiness (in its various forms).

Fulfilling responsibilities and providing value, achieving success, the desire for companionship-pleasure and attaining freedom are some worldly attachments which when accomplished lead to happiness. Understanding the concepts and the experience and practice of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha in the Indian historical context and the western way of thought become clear through simple examples and stories which leave the reader questioning the necessity and consequence of a desire or action with ever prevailing “karma” impacting the source and pathway to achieving joy.

This book is a great choice to explore phases and aspects of life that impact satisfaction and joy which were practised and preached in various forms in the Indian subcontinent and are relevant even today.

[Sakshi Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the essays in the start are very engaging and gave me new ideas and analogies to remember, somewhere in the middle things become too random and I fail to understand how one gets linked to another or a central theme if there was one. Some chapters and themes have been repeated in the end, making the reader feel as if this book is more of a compilation of his earlier works.

[Ujan Dutta · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blend of mythology and the aspects of life is very beautifully captured in this book! Some of the essays are slightly boring and fail to create an impact! On an overall level, it is a recommended read!

[Govind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharma At the Kama Moksha

An interesting way of looking at things which we know in particular way. Liked it immensely.Dev duff Patnaik's interpretation of Indian tradition is simply marvelous.

[Ted Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't think of a better book to turn to for guidance and wisdom. Every new Devdutt Pattanaik publication has much that he's written before, but in new ways that bring everything to the present and looking forward.

[Rajveersinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I like every word that's been written. I totally recommend it.

I learnt alot. I have read many of his book so it's obvious that some ideas are not fresh to me. Other than that it's amazing.

[Rahul GK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devdutt does a brilliant job of presenting the 4 Purusarthas in Hinduism, the positives, the negatives, how it's different from Western mythology... I especially liked the way the complexity of Karma was dealt with.... Definitely worth a read...

[Gurudatt Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book but has digression from the previous work that Devdutt Patnaik is known for

[Kashish Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super book complicated things explained in such an easy way nice read. A blend of history and religion explained in Morden life. A definite read

[nitin goswami · Rating 5 out of 5]

One world 🌍 one life one word

A long yet, soul opening book.
It's a window to one soul.
Each chapter is unique & easy to understand

[Avinash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dharma : compassion for other and protecting weak
Artha: wealth , sucess
kama : worldly pleasures
moksha : self realization when we do things on a bigger purpose

[Anjalica · Rating 5 out of 5]

🙏🙏🙏❤️worth the read. very interesting

[Kathan Shah]

Hindu virtues - subjectivity overloaded