on Yoga, in particular the fourth portion of Patanjali's Sutras. The Sanskrit Epics devote major sections on purusharthas, in particular debating dharma. The ancient Tamil moral literature of the Tirukkural focuses on the first three of the purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, and Kama) without discussing Moksha, suggesting that "the proper pursuit of the other three will inevitably lead to the fourth." The Nalatiyar, another work of the Sangam literature, too, follows similar philosophy as the Tirukkural. Ashrama The four puruṣārthas are often discussed in the context of four ashramas or stages of life (Brahmacharya – student, Grihastha – householder, Vanaprastha – retirement and Sannyasa – renunciation). Scholars have attempted to connect the four stages to the four puruṣārthas, however Olivelle dismisses this, as neither ancient nor medieval texts of India state that any of the first three ashramas must devote itself predominantly to one specific goal of life. The fourth stage of Sannyasa is different, and the overwhelming consensus in ancient and medieval Indian texts is that anyone accepting Sannyasa must entirely devote to Moksha aided by Dharma, with a complete renunciation of Artha and Kama. With the known exception of Kamasutra, most texts make no recommendation on the relative preference on Artha or Kama, that an individual must emphasize in what stage of life. The Kamasutra states, This text does not mention the ashramas, however. See also The four proper goals of a human in Hindu traditions: Dharma Artha Kama Moksha Arishadvargas Other elements of ethical theories in Hindu traditions: Ashrama (stage) Yamas Niyama Karma Other theories on human needs: Maslow's hierarchy of needs Need theory Metamotivation References Cited books: (fourth revised & enlarged edition). Further reading Gavin Flood (1997), "The Meaning and Context of the Puruṣārthas", In The Bhagavadgītā for Our Times (Editor: Julius J. Lipner), Oxford University Press, pages 11–27, Arvind Sharma (1982), "The Puruṣārthas: A Study in Hindu Axiology", Asian Studies Center, Michigan State University, Karl Potter (1963), "Presuppositions of India's Philosophies", Prentice Hall, External links Donald David (2004), "Being Hindu or being human: A reappraisal of the puruṣārthas", International Journal of Hindu Studies, 8(1–3): 1–27, John Koller (1968), Puruṣārthas as Human Aims, Philosophy East and West, 18(4): 315–319 Hindu ethics