Arth and parmarth

Society is a collective movement of individuals who have made a unanimous decision to work together towards a common goal. When members of a society come to a unanimous decision, their collective movement is known as samaj, or society. Some may have moved far ahead, while others may have lagged behind; some may be unable to walk. It is imperative that all members of society move in unison; while moving together, each member should feel responsible for every other member of society. Those who are unable to move must be carried so that the rhythm of collective movement remains unbroken.

Currently, we must view everything in this world from the perspective of our solar system, even if we have not yet adopted a cosmological perspective. We must move ahead, looking upon this solar system as an integral entity.

We must move together; this is the Supreme Truth. Those who wish to move together require sufficient physical and psychological strength. In addition, if they truly want to move collectively, they must also possess some additional strength.


Take others with you and, for that, you will have to acquire additional strength. You must prepare yourself accordingly. People buy food, clothes and houses with money; hence, money is called a form of arth.

But it should be remembered that money is only arth and not Parmarth, for Parmarth means 'that which removes one's afflictions forever' - once afflictions are gone, they will never return. Parmarth is that which brings permanent cessation from the triple afflictions - physical, mental and spiritual.