The perpetual cycle of enjoyment – life-after-life-after-life – is guaranteed as long as we follow dharmā and lead a life that only or predominantly accumulate punyā , to guarantee happiness.

A primary goal for the scriptures is to turn our attention towards the possibility of such perpetual cycle of enjoyment and to be away from a hopeless, purposeless dwelling on the earth. This is a very important lesson to reorient our life.

If so, why is there a fourth goal called ’mokShā ’ ? Who needs it?
This fourth goal is sought only by those who have come to the realization that the perpetual cycle of enjoyment is in fact a trap and cannot lead to the lasting ‘fulfilment’.

This has to be based on realization only as no amount theoretical knowledge can be a substitute. However, realization always dawns when there is supporting experience and knowledge. So while your own experiences in life bring the core part of your realization, let our inquiry bring the augmenting knowledge to spawn such a realization.

This inquiry will be to evaluate the nature and merits of our actions, means and the goals for enjoying the objects of desire.

(to be continued – Mee. Rajagopalan – 07/06/2017)