In the current era, marked by unprecedented challenges both nationally and internationally, the pursuit of happiness and well-being has become more crucial than ever. India, like many other countries, is grappling with a surge in suicides, layoffs, and crimes, creating a climate of uncertainty and despair.

This atmosphere is further compounded by disturbing events in neighbouring regions, such as Bangladesh, and on the global stage, where geopolitical tensions add to the widespread anxiety. Against this backdrop, the focus on mental health, happiness, and well-being is not just important — it is essential for maintaining social stability and fostering individual resilience.

How Eastern and Western Frameworks Contribute to Well-being

Both Eastern and Western frameworks offer valuable insights and strategies for enhancing well-being and achieving a balanced life. Frameworks like the Indian Purusartha, the Japanese Ikigai, and the Western PERMA model all aim to provide pathways to happiness and fulfillment.

These concepts provide frameworks for understanding and achieving well-being and happiness. While the Eastern philosophies such as Purusartha and Ikigai focus on harmony, balance, and spiritual fulfillment, the Western PERMA model, emphasises psychological well-being through positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.

Though originating from different cultural backgrounds, they all aim to offer pathways to happiness and well being. While Purusartha integrates spiritual elements through Moksha, IKIGAI and PERMA focus on the aspects of daily living and psychological well-being.

Despite cultural differences, all three models underscore the universal human pursuit of happiness, purpose, and overall well-being.

Purusartha

Purusartha is an Eastern Concept based on the fundamentals of Hindu philosophy. It originates from ancient Indian scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual traditions of India, influencing individual behavior, societal norms, and religious practices.

Purusartha represents the FOUR aims or goals of human life. These goals are Dharma (righteousness and moral values), Artha (wealth and prosperity), Kama (desires and passions), and Moksha (liberation and spiritual freedom).

Research indicates that a balanced pursuit of Purusartha contributes to holistic well-being and life satisfaction (Sharma, 2013).

Analogy: Purusartha is like a four-legged stool; all four legs (goals) are essential for stability.

Purusartha provides a comprehensive framework for living a balanced, meaningful, and fulfilling life.

1. Dharma (Righteousness): Dharma refers to the ethical and moral principles that guide an individual’s actions. It encompasses duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the right way of living.

Analogy: A teacher fulfilling their duty to educate students with integrity and dedication, following ethical guidelines and moral principles.

2. Artha (Wealth): Artha signifies the pursuit of wealth and material prosperity. It involves securing resources necessary for a comfortable and stable life, contributing to social welfare, and supporting one’s family.

Analogy: A businessperson working hard to build a successful enterprise, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy while ensuring their family’s financial security.

3. Kama (Desires): Kama represents the fulfillment of desires and passions. It includes the pursuit of pleasure, love, emotional fulfillment, and aesthetic enjoyment in life.

Analogy: A design thinker or an engineer dedicating time to create beautiful designs, fulfilling their passion for art and science, and finding joy in the creative and scientific processes.

4. Moksha (Liberation): Moksha is the ultimate goal of spiritual liberation and self-realization. It involves transcending the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and achieving union with the divine.

Analogy: A senior citizen after his/her retirement practicing social work, meditation and knowledge-sharing activities to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from worldly attachments.

Comparison with Western Concepts

· Dharma vs. Ethical Living: Similar to Western ethical theories that emphasize moral conduct and societal responsibilities.

· Artha vs. Professional Success: Comparable to Western values of economic success and career achievement.

· Kama vs. Personal Fulfillment: Aligns with Western ideas of personal happiness and pursuit of passions.

· Moksha vs. Spiritual Fulfillment: While unique in its depth and spiritual focus, it can be loosely compared to Western notions of self-actualization and inner peace.

Purusartha is distinctly an Eastern concept, deeply rooted in the Indian cultural traditions. It offers a comprehensive framework for achieving a balanced and fulfilling life by addressing ethical, material, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

By integrating these four goals, individuals can lead a harmonious and purposeful life, reflecting the holistic and inclusive nature of Eastern philosophical thought.

IKIGAI

IKIGAI is an eastern concept deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often translated as “a reason for being.” It represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This concept encourages individuals to find purpose and meaning in life, aligning with the traditional Japanese values of harmony, balance, and community.

IKIGAI originates from Okinawa, Japan, a region known for its high number of centenarians. The concept reflects a holistic approach to life, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is deeply embedded in Japanese philosophy and daily life, reflecting the cultural emphasis on finding joy and purpose in both work and personal pursuits.

A study in Okinawa, Japan, where the concept of IKIGAI is widely practiced, shows that residents have one of the highest life expectancies in the world, attributed to their sense of purpose and community (Willcox et al., 2007).

Application of IKIGAI

An individual finding joy in teaching (passion), fulfilling the educational needs of society (mission), being skilled at it (vocation), and earning a living from it (profession).

Analogy: IKIGAI is like a well-balanced meal; it includes all necessary nutrients (elements) for a healthy life.

IKIGAI rests on the FOUR pillars as:

1. What You Love (Passion): This aspect of IKIGAI focuses on activities and pursuits that bring joy and fulfillment. In Japanese culture, this aligns with the idea of “Mono no Aware,” which means appreciating the beauty of transient moments.

Analogy: A Japanese tea master finds immense joy and satisfaction in the art of tea ceremony, a practice that requires passion and dedication.

Note: For details on the ‘Tea Ceremony’ visit https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2096.html

2. What the World Needs (Mission): This component emphasizes contributing to the community and society. The Japanese principle of “Wa,” or harmony, underscores the importance of social responsibility and collective well-being.

Analogy: A healthcare worker dedicating his/her career to improving public health, addressing a critical societal need.

3. What You Are Good At (Vocation): This element highlights the importance of honing skills and talents. The Japanese concept of “Kaizen,” or continuous improvement, reflects the value placed on skill development and mastery.

Analogy: An artisan perfecting the craft of pottery over decades, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and proficiency.

4. What You Can Be Paid For (Profession): This aspect considers the economic viability of one’s pursuits. In Japanese culture, the concept of “Shokunin” reflects the pride and fulfillment derived from professional excellence and earning a livelihood through one’s craft.

Example: A sushi chef gaining recognition and earning a living through exceptional culinary skills, balancing passion and profession.

IKIGAI is not just a theoretical concept but a practical philosophy integrated into various aspects of Japanese life. It influences personal decisions, career choices, and lifestyle practices, promoting a balanced and purposeful life.

The longevity and well-being observed in Okinawan communities are often attributed to the practice of IKIGAI, where individuals find harmony between their personal passions and societal contributions.

While the concept has gained popularity in Western cultures for its universal appeal, its roots and essence remain deeply embedded in Japanese philosophy and way of life.

PERMA Model

The PERMA model, developed by Martin Seligman, includes FIVE core elements essential for well-being:

1. Positive Emotions: Experiencing joy, gratitude, and other positive emotions to enhance life satisfaction.

Gratitude Journaling is a good example of positive emotions. Keeping a daily journal where you list things you are grateful for can enhance your positive emotions. For instance, writing about a supportive friend, a beautiful sunset, or a personal achievement can elevate mood and overall happiness.

Analogy: Ms Sunaina, a high school teacher, started practicing gratitude journaling. She found that acknowledging small positive events, like a student’s progress or a kind gesture from a colleague, significantly boosted her overall sense of happiness.

2. Engagement: Being deeply involved and absorbed in activities, often described as being in “flow.”

For example, dedicating time to one’s hobbies and Interests by participating in activities that one loves and is good way to keep oneself engaged. 

Analogy: Nishant, a software developer, experiences deep engagement when coding. He often loses track of time and finds great satisfaction in solving challenging problems, leading to a heightened state of flow.

3. Relationships: Building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships.

For instance, engaging in social activities like group sports, book clubs, or family gatherings strengthens bonds and creates a sense of belonging.

Analogy: Deepti, who moved to a new city for work, joined a local hiking group. The friendships she formed through shared activities significantly improved her sense of belonging and happiness.

4. Meaning: Having a sense of purpose and understanding that one’s life is valuable and worthwhile.

For instance, participating in volunteer activities or working for a social cause you believe in, such as environmental conservation or helping the underprivileged, provides a sense of meaning.

Analogy: Aisha, a corporate lawyer, spends her weekends volunteering at an NGO that provides shelter for homeless people. This work gives her a profound sense of purpose and satisfaction, knowing she is making a difference in others’ lives.

5. Accomplishment: Setting and achieving goals, leading to a sense of achievement and fulfillment.

For example, setting personal and professional goals, like learning a new language, completing a marathon, or achieving a career milestone, and working towards them.

Analogy: Raj, an aspiring chef, set a goal to open his own restaurant. After years of hard work and dedication, achieving this goal brought him immense satisfaction and pride.

Applications and Influence of the PERMA Model

The PERMA model has been widely applied in various Western contexts, including education, workplace settings, therapy, and personal development. It has influenced well-being programs and interventions aimed at enhancing life satisfaction and overall happiness.

In Education:

Positive Emotions: Incorporating activities that foster joy and curiosity, such as interactive learning and positive reinforcement.

Engagement: Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities and projects that align with their interests.

Relationships: Building a supportive classroom environment where students and teachers share positive connections.

Meaning: Helping students understand the relevance of their studies to their lives and future careers.

Accomplishment: Setting achievable academic goals and celebrating student achievements.

In the Workplace:

Positive Emotions: Creating a positive work environment through recognition and celebrations.

Engagement: Assigning tasks that align with employees’ strengths and interests to foster engagement.

Relationships: Promoting teamwork and collaboration through team-building activities.

Meaning: Connecting employees’ work to the broader mission of the organization.

Accomplishment: Setting clear objectives and providing opportunities for professional growth and development.

The PERMA model provides a holistic approach to understanding and enhancing well-being. By focusing on Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment, individuals can build a fulfilling and happy life. Each element is integral, and together they create a comprehensive framework for thriving in various aspects of life.

Implementing the PERMA model in personal, educational, and professional contexts can lead to significant improvements in overall well-being and life satisfaction.

Comparative Analysis of Purusartha, IKIGAI, and PERMA Model

This comparative analysis explores their similarities, differences, and applications using data-backed insights and relevant examples.

1. Purpose and Meaning

Purusartha (Dharma): Ethical duty and righteousness provide a sense of purpose.

IKIGAI (Mission): What the world needs and aligns with a personal sense of purpose.

PERMA (Meaning): Involves having a sense of purpose and understanding that life is meaningful.

Comparison: All three emphasize the importance of living a purposeful life, though Purusartha integrates a moral dimension (Dharma).

2. Professional Fulfillment

Purusartha (Artha): Pursuit of wealth and prosperity.

IKIGAI (Profession): What you can be paid for, ensuring economic viability.

PERMA (Accomplishment): Achieving goals and mastery.

Comparison: Each framework acknowledges the need for professional and financial success, with IKIGAI and Purusartha explicitly addressing economic aspects.

3. Passion and Desires

Purusartha (Kama): Fulfillment of desires and passions.

IKIGAI (Passion): Doing what you love.

PERMA (Positive Emotions): Cultivating joy and positive emotions.

Comparison: All models value the pursuit of passions and desires, recognizing their role in a fulfilling life.

4. Spiritual Fulfillment

Purusartha (Moksha): Focuses on spiritual liberation and self-realization.

IKIGAI: Implies a balanced life but is not explicitly spiritual.

PERMA: Does not explicitly include spiritual fulfillment but encompasses overall well-being.

Comparison: Purusartha uniquely emphasizes spiritual goals (Moksha), while PERMA and IKIGAI focus more on practical and emotional well-being.

Examples & Analogies of the THREE Frameworks

1. Purusartha Example:

Balanced Life: An entrepreneur who follows ethical practices (Dharma), achieves financial success (Artha), enjoys personal pleasures (Kama), and seeks spiritual growth (Moksha).

Analogy: Purusartha is like a well-built home with strong foundations (Dharma), resources (Artha), comfort (Kama), and an open skylight (Moksha) for spiritual connection.

2. IKIGAI Example:

Intersections: A doctor loves helping people (passion), is skilled in medical practice (vocation), addresses the need for healthcare (mission), and earns a living (profession).

Analogy: Finding IKIGAI is like finding a perfect symphony where each instrument (passion, vocation, mission, profession) plays harmoniously to create beautiful music (life satisfaction).

3. PERMA Example:

Positive Emotions: A person regularly practices mindfulness meditation, leading to increased happiness and reduced stress.

Analogy: Like a gardener tending to a diverse array of plants, nurturing different aspects of life (emotions, engagement, relationships) leads to a thriving garden (well-being).

The Purusartha, IKIGAI, and PERMA model each offer unique yet complementary approaches to achieving well-being and happiness. While they originate from different cultural contexts, their core principles align in promoting a balanced, purposeful, and fulfilling life. Integrating these concepts can provide a comprehensive framework for personal growth and well-being, benefiting individuals across diverse backgrounds.

These frameworks, despite originating from different cultural contexts, underscore universal values of purpose, personal fulfillment, and balance. They are not just theoretical models but practical tools that can guide individuals through personal and professional challenges, making them especially relevant in today’s tumultuous times.

About the Author: Prof (Dr) Shalini Verma ‘Lifoholic’ is Founder - SAMVAW FOUNDATION | Impact Leadership Coach | Director - Innovations at Aadya Green Gifting Pvt. Ltd. | Award-winning Author with 75 Published Books | IICA Certified ESG Professional-Impact Leader | IICA Certified Independent Director

Author may be reached at: impactleadership@lifoholicshalini.com

Follow her on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshaliniverma/