Mark W. Muesse, Great World Religions: Hinduism

 “The Hindu tradition speaks of four “goods” of life, each of which constitutes a valuable, worthwhile aim in life. First is the good of dharma, or duty. The second is the good of artha, or wealth and material acquisition. The third is the good of kāma, or pleasure and enjoyment of the sense. Mokśa is the fourth and highest good. To achieve mokśa, one must be willing to give up the other three goods, because even though doing one’s duty and pursuing wealth and enjoyment are viewed positively, they also keep one bound to the wheel of rebirth. For those who are not yet prepared to abandon a life of duty, material acquisition, and enjoyments, the religious life means doing one’s best to improve this life and future lives.”