Kama

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

The Sanskrit word Kama means "Desire". Here, it means love or desire of sensual enjoyments.

The Vedas describe begetting a progeny one of the most important duties of mankind. Man without a progeny is compared to a barren tree without flowers and fruits, indicative of his uselessness to others in the society. The Vedas and Puranas describe in detail about death, its aftermath and what happens to the soul when it leaves the body. In the Garuda Purana, we find a vivid and convincing account of how the soul travels to the abode of our ancestors, how comfortable its journey is made by the rituals we perform, how the offerings we give in the name of the deceased reach them, etc.. The belief in rebirth and the possible effect of good and bad actions in the next birth and the life after inspired man to beget a progeny so that he would be comfortably led to the abode of his ancestors by his son who will perform all the rituals for the same. So man had a big responsibility of passing his culture, customs, methods of doing rituals and ceremonies to his generation next so that he felt secured.

Kama based on Dharma is a Purushartha that brings fulfillment to one's life. Kama inspires man to fulfill his fundamental duties in life.