Sample Essay On Anthony J. Parel: “The Purusharthas And Unity In Gandhi’s Thought”

The reading is about the relationship of emerging approaches of Purushartha and Ghandijis praxis and thoughts. It provides a detailed analysis of his views regarding ethics, religion, economics and politics which are not aligned to a specific theology. These ideals can be applied to many civilizations and nations regardless of their belief system. The essay will be about the summary of Anthony J. Parel’s work: “The Purusharthas and Unity in Gandhi’s Thought”
The term Purushartha is the combination of two words i.e. “Purusha” which means spirit and “Artha” which identifies the reason and purpose. They are the legitimate aims of life prescribed in Hinduism and are the foundational theory of Indian civilization. Ghandiji ideas present a mysterious unity even if they are taken in isolation. His strategy of action is stronger than his philosophy which emphasizes on the progress of the whole civilization. The human body and soul needs to interact and solve the possible conflicts to assure the ultimate harmony. The goals of life are power, wealth, ethical integrity, anesthetic and sexual pleasure and spiritual transcendence. Other religious texts of Hinduism also endorse this concept that it is capable of destroying the evil and nourishing the positive aspects of the soul. Every authentic human effort falls under Purushartha and establishes the foundation of his personality.
Ghandijis ideals and so called philosophy received significant criticism along with appreciation. Even though the ideas and thoughts presented by Ghandiji helped in solving several puzzles and understanding the questions marks but they somehow lacked the internal and theological unity. The basic origin of Purushartha can be traced back to the Nationalist movement which was directed against the alien rule. It could have also been directed to the shortcomings in the social and political Indian institutions to identify the root causes. Moreover, Ghandiji had merely reinterpreted the contextual relationship between the four aspects of Purushartha and explained the connection between economic, social, political and educational institutions to the spirituality.
He established a direction for the humans and explained how they could find their dignity. His stipulation also helped in opening up the hidden possibilities of Purushartha theory especially those relating to wealth and nature of humans. When a person has a purpose in life, he works wholeheartedly to achieve it. Ethics, religion, economics and politics are integrated institutions and form the basis of the society. When a person starts to lead his life according to the high moral principles coving up all these institutions, the society progresses and the civilization achieves the climax of prosperity. His ideals also developed the modern Indian political thought by providing an intellectual framework to the Indians.
The theory however leaves certain ambiguities in the mind of a common man. It purely applies to the Hindus and the believers of similar doctrine particularly in India and sub-continent.
How does it help to form a rational basis for those how do not believe in God or any supreme power? What interpretation atheists could draw from Purushartha who are already following humanity as their religion and ultimate purpose of life?

How the concept of wealth does apply on the practioners of modesty who submit themselves to God?

Even though there are some vague comprehensions of the elements of Purushartha, it helped the Indian nation particularly Hindus to take their civilization towards progress.