Human Flourishing and Social Prosperity in Indian Thought: Revisiting the Relationship between Artha, Dharma, and Wealth Creation

Abstract

The study discussed the concept of Dharma in Indian philosophy in the context of its role in wealth creation, human flourishing and social prosperity and its link with Artha. The research reveals that Indian philosophy is not against financial prosperity, it is recognizing material prosperity as a part of living, completing one’s duty and serving the society. But wealth is not an ultimate goal. What makes anything valuable is the way you get it and how you use it to do good. The study emphasizes the fact that the ideas of Artha and Dharma are complementary to each other. Artha supplies the material basis to the life of the individual and of the community, while Dharma gives the moral basis to the economic activity. Indian thought has always pointed that the acquiring of wealth should be from moral sources and the use should be for the welfare of the society. Economics without ethics can lead to inequality, social conflict and moral decay; economics with ethics can bring justice, harmony and the welfare of mankind. The results also imply that human well-being is not only defined in terms of material prosperity. Indian philosophy, via the lens of the Puruṣārtha framework, gives a holistic understanding of growth that includes the material, moral, emotional and spiritual aspects of a human being’s life. Likewise, social prosperity is not only about economic progress but about social cohesion, ethical behaviour, collective welfare and sustainable development. In the context of growing inequality, environmental problems and ethical problems in economic activity in the modern world, the Artha–Dharma paradigm is valuable as an alternative development paradigm. It grows a balance between making money and satisfying moral commitments, creating personal good and improving society. The study concludes that the wisdom of Indian thought is highly relevant to modern discussions on sustainable development, business ethics, public policy and human welfare and presents a complete model of affluent living based on economic power and moral purpose.