The Toronto Star
TORONTO, ONTARIO, April 17, 2004: Hindu freelance writer Ajit Adhopia talks candidly about the four goals important to a Hindu in any given lifetime. The main purpose of the article is to dispel a myth about Hinduism that devotees believe that the world is maya or illusion and therefore encourages followers to shun the world and become ascetics. As Adopia points out, one of the human goals of Hinduism is to acquire artha or wealth. This wealth needs to acquired by legitimate means while living virtuously or fulfilling dharma. The article explains the other two goals of life, “According to Hindu belief, the main goal in life is to attain moksha or salvation – release from the cycle of reincarnation and a return to the original universal spirit. It is also recognized that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve this supreme goal until all legitimate worldly desires and cravings, called kama, are satisfied.” While pursuing the four goals of life; dharma, kama, artha and moksha, “Hindu teachings suggest one should live one’s life in four ashrams or phases: the learning, householder, retirement and wandering ascetic phases.” In summation Adhopia says, “Hindu Canadians donate funds for temple building and other religious causes, but appear not as generous toward social causes. Since they are among the more affluent new Canadians, they can certainly afford to share their wealth with the less fortunate. This, too, is their religious obligation.”