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The Four Aims of Life
The name of our center is inspired by the ancient and perennial wisdom teachings of the Vedas, gathered and developed over a great span of time, thousands of years ago in India. These Four Aims, or purusharthas in Sanskrit, are four major motivations and goals shared by all humans. These basic concerns haven't changed over millenia, because they form the basis for the perennial philosophy that all great spiritual traditions share. Together they comprise cornerstones for the health, prosperity and peace of individuals, their families and their communities. The mission of this Center is truly about connection with others and with the evolution and health of humans as a collective, i.e. how we inter-relate with each other and our environment.
Briefly, the Four Aims of Life are:
Dharma, variously translated as Natural law, Duty and Virtue. Dharma contains within its vast scope all our actions in relationship to the natural laws of the universe, relationship with ourselves, and relationship with- and duties concerning- our family and community. In terms of Course Offerings, counseling and personal growth, interpersonal relationships, exploration of various therapeutic models, community activism and support groups all fall in this category. While relationship to the physical is included here, classes having to do with Yoga, Breath and Movement have their own page, because of the larger number of offerings under that heading.
The second Aim, Artha, has to do with one's Wealth foundation, and how Success and Power are dealt with. This is an important aspect of any balanced life and significantly affects many other aspects of one's life story. Without the financial means to support our development, it is difficult in our society to discover one’s potential and fulfill one's personal destiny.
The third Aim of life is Kama, anything having to do with Pleasure, Desire and Nourishment. Kama takes us on a magnificent journey of the sensual, an undertaking misunderstood and abused by many in this and other cultures. Learning how to nourish oneself and experience enjoyment without indulgence and learning to embrace life's bounty is an exhilerating practice! As well, getting in touch with one's creativity, and partaking of the arts, is food for the soul and an imporant aspect of kama.
Liberation, or Freedom is the forth Aim of Life. Moksha refers to Self-realization on the Spiritual Plane, and under this heading we include meditation, devotion, contemplation and ritual: any practices that strengthen our connection to what we hold sacred.
The Four Aims, then, offer a reference and point of focus for us as we scurry through our busy lives:
- Am I finding a balance between responding to my own needs and the needs of others?
- How am I experiencing and attending to what I hold sacred?
- How do I nourish myself with proper nutrition, exercise and rest?
- How is the quality of communication with my partner or children?
- Am I attending to my financial responsibilities?
- Am I engaging my creative self?
- How do I stay connected to my friends and neighbors?
- How am I helping those in my community who are underserved or misunderstood?
- How can I express my values concerning global issues of the environment and social justice?
Using these Four Aims as a reference, try doing a weekly "check-up" with yourself on how well you are achieving the balance in life that you seek. If you're looking for ways to live more fully, implement change, better organize your life, or simply connect with other like-minded people, check out our numerous offerings!
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