The Ashramas

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The Ashramas

Four natural stages in a Hindu's life

1. Brahmacharya

2. Grihasta

3. Vanaprastha

4. Sannyasin

Journey through life towards Moksha

Religious duties that need to be fulfilled --> part of varnashramadharma

Found in Manu Smriti (ancient law)

Within each ashrama, Hindus must observe...

Kama

Pleasure of a passionate and loving relationship

Enjoyment of beauty and pleasures of life

Husbands and wives must make each other happy

But also realising that it can't bring lasting pleasure or peace

Artha/arta

Earning money through honest means

Support families --> support priests, poor, sannyasin

Contribute to society

Vairagya

Detachment/renunciation

Particularly renunciation from pains/pleasures in material world (Maya)

Moksha

Reunited with Brahman

Ultimate Goal

Release from suffering the Samsara Cycle

They're all on the same path that leads to Moksha

Some are further along the path than others but all will get there in the end

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The Ashramas

1. Brahmacharya

Student Stage

For some, there will be a sacred thread ceremony

Rite of passage that allows student to gain independence --> generally takes place in upper castes

Study Vedas

Hindu rules and traditions are studied

2. Grihasta

Householder Stage

Husband must provide for wife and children

No ritual can be performed without the wife

Social and religious obligations

For example, eldest child is responsible for looking after their parents

Marriage is considered to be a sacred duty

3. Vanaprastha

Retirement

Children are grown up --> guide grandchildren in their faith

Study scripture

Responsibilities fall onto the eldest child

Begin to become detached from worldly goods

People often take this position once their first grandson has been born

4. Sannyasin

Renunciation of worldly goods

Give up all material possessions

Often rely upon donations from others

Meditating, studying scripture, pilgrimage/retreat

Spiritual