Hindu philosophy is best understood and lived in balance and with a purpose through its four Purusharthas. These goals-Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha-are sufficient to form a roadmap that covers material fulfillment and spiritual liberation.

1. Dharma: Living Well 

Dharma lays down the fundamental principles of ethical life in Hinduism. It is the word that refers to the root of "dhṛ" from Sanskrit, which means "to hold" or "to support". Dharma is the cosmic order-that supports the universe-and government principles that hold society together.  

"And even if someone performs his dharma imperfectly, better that compared to someone else's dharma performed perfectly." Delivering this very concept is found in the Bhagavad Gita (18.47). Following one's dharma leads toward spiritual growth, as it is set to the nature, capacities, and condition of each individual.

The Manusmriti (1.2) further elaborates: "Understand that Dharma means the great law declared in the Vedas, which the learned understand and the exalted practice without attachment and aversion."

2. Artha: Material Wealth and Prosperity 

Artha is the rightful attainment of material prosperity, security, and worldly success. Whereas certain modern interpretations treat materialistic pursuits as against spirituality, Hinduism admits that wealth fully completing life is justly earned.

The Arthashastra, compiled by Kautilya about 300 BCE, describes, in detail, the economic policy, governance, and ethics of wealth acquisition. It goes on to say: "From the proper acquisition of wealth, discharge of dharma and enjoyment of pleasure become possible" (Arthashastra 1.7).

The Mahabharata (12.161.8) reminds us: "Artha should be earned through dharma; never otherwise."    

3. Kama: Fulfillment of Desires

Kama includes all kinds of sensual, aesthetic, and emotional pleasure. The Kamasutra is far from only being a manual on the techniques of sex, but it rather presents a very fine view on the various human-relations, aesthetics, and psychology of pleasures.

Vatsyayana explains in Kamasutra (1.2.1): "The three aims-dharma, artha, and kama-are equal in importance, but their significance varies according to time and circumstance."

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.1.6) affirms: "Indeed, a person is formed of desire. As is their desire, so is their will; as is their will, so is their deed; as is their deed, so is their destiny."

4. Moksha: Spiritual Liberation

Moksha is the final liberation of the Hindu in that it is liberation from the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and realization of the true nature of one's soul or spirit. The other purusharthas refer to life within the material world; moksha, however, transcends it.

Liberation, as the Katha Upanishad (2.3.14-15) defines it, is "Untie all knots of the heart and the mortal becomes immortal. This is the teaching."

The Mundaka Upanishad (3.2.9) provides this striking imagery: "As flowing rivers, poured into the ocean, lose their name and form; thus is the wise man, freed from name and form, to the divine Person progress beyond all."

The Integrated Life    

Purusharthas's genius lies in their integration. They are not separable compartments, but interlaced aspects of a whole human life. Dharma provides the ethical foundation under which artha and kama can be pursued, and all three properly pursued prepare one for moksha. 

The Mahabharata (12.167.37) says: "Without dharma, artha and kama bear bitter fruit. But when pursued according to dharma, they yield sweet fruit for spiritual merit." 

Understanding the purusharthas can condition the life of a person in the following ways when incorporating Hindu wisdom into one's life. Start with dharma-define your ethical responsibilities in each relationship and context. Pursue your prosperity and pleasure within those ethical boundaries. And keep your ultimate spiritual aim in continual awareness through regular meditation and study of sacred texts. 

The purusharthas teach us that growth in spirituality does not necessitate renunciation of this world but rather engaging with it, knowingly, ethically, and in awareness of our higher purpose.