The four stages of life and their significance according to Hinduism
The four stages of life in Hinduism are called Ashrams, namely, Brahamacharya, Grihastha, Vanaspratha and Sannyasa. During the course of life, every individual is deemed to travel through these ashrams ideally. A gradual progress from these stages is considered proper and beneficial in Hinduism.
Brahamacharya
This is the student stage where one lives as a celibate, bachelor and gets introduced to Brahman, the Universe and its offerings. This stage commences when one undergoes the Upanayana ceremony, the initiation of one’s learning phase and formal education. This ashram urges the student to solely focus on acquiring knowledge and wisdom on subjects of religion or dharma, spirituality, science, arts, morals, discipline, scriptures, ancient history and more. Earlier, the students were sent to gurukuls or schools, where they spent their entire time during this juncture under a guru or mentor. Students learn to respect the elders, parents, teachers, god and express their devotion and gratefulness towards them regularly.
The age is deemed fit to learn skills which shall be of aid during the later course of life professionally as one’s young brain is great for absorption of new information and concentration. Similarly, the child has to refrain from unnecessary thoughts and indulgences of pleasures and materialistic gains as it can easily distract them from pure learning. Simplicity and minimalism in terms of food and clothes, sheer obedience towards seniors, hard work and meditative practices should be the major goals and mantra throughout this time.
The end of this period is often marked by a guru dakshina, service or sacrifice to the teacher wherein one had to offer whatever was asked for by their guide as gratitude for imparting knowledge. Generally, this ashram lasts till 25 years of age.
Gruhastha
Gruhasthashram is a Sanskrit term that refers to the role and responsibilities of a householder in Hindu society. As a householder, a person is expected to fulfill certain duties and responsibilities within their family and community. These duties include providing for and protecting the members of their household, upholding the values and traditions of their community, and participating in social and religious activities.
Gruhasth (or Grihastha) means household or one who lives in a house. This stage is to be dedicated to getting married, having kids, earning a living and leading a happy family life. Using the professional skills one is equipped with during the previous phase of Brahamacharya, they can now work in exchange for money, which was not permissible earlier. With a stable job, the individual can gather materialistic wealth and indulge in pleasurable practices too. Once a family lifestyle is established, taking care of them, teaching values and morals to children, stocking up food, saving for the future, become the crucial aspects of life. Interaction and service towards society can also be initiated. Up to 50 years of age, such an enjoyable lifestyle is usually led.
In Hinduism, the role of the householder is considered to be an important and essential stage in life, as it is believed to provide the necessary foundation for spiritual growth and development. After fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a householder, a person may choose to enter into the next stage of life, known as sannyasa, in which they renounce worldly responsibilities and focus on spiritual practices and contemplation.
In Hindu tradition, the age at which a person is considered to be a householder, or gruhastha, varies depending on the specific community and cultural practices. In some communities, it may be expected that a person becomes a householder at a relatively young age, while in others it may be more common for a person to enter into the householder stage of life later in their adult years.
Generally, the age at which a person becomes a householder is determined by a variety of factors, including social and cultural expectations, the individual’s personal circumstances, and their ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the householder role. It is important to note that the age at which a person becomes a householder may vary and is not necessarily fixed or prescribed.
Vanaspratha
Vanasprathashram is a Sanskrit term that refers to the stage of life in Hinduism known as the “life of a wanderer.” In this stage, a person renounces the duties and responsibilities of a householder and becomes a wandering ascetic, seeking spiritual enlightenment through detachment from the material world.
Vanaspratha translates to forest dweller. This is when the person reaches his fifties and retires from the stage of a family man. His family duties are passed onto the kids and grandkids who themselves might be on the way to their own journeys and families. One has to start distancing and detaching themselves from the materialistic pleasures they’ve received during the Grihastha and channelize their energy towards devotion to the almighty. All worldly desires of possessing wealth, getting involved in leisurely activities should also be brought to an end. Resorting to the woods is an effective way of living in this ashram. One can pass on their experiences and guide the young ones too at this age.
In Hindu tradition, the life of a wanderer is considered to be the third stage of life, following the stages of being a student and a householder. The goal of this stage is to gain a deeper understanding of one’s true self and to develop spiritual knowledge and wisdom. Vanasprathashram is often associated with the practice of yoga and meditation, and those who enter into this stage of life may spend their time traveling and studying with spiritual teachers and gurus. It is believed that by living a simple and disciplined life, a person can gain greater control over their mind and emotions and ultimately achieve enlightenment.
Sannyasa
This is the fourth and ultimate stage of renunciation. After gradually distancing oneself from attachments and tangible dependencies, during Sannyasa, the only aim should be utmost spirituality through meditative exercises and practises. The entire energy, thought process and routine should revolve around devotion toward supreme forces. Upon a disciplined and determined approach during this period, a state of Moksha can be attained too. Moksha is the liberation from the Hindu cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Sanyasashram is a Sanskrit term that refers to the fourth and final stage of life in Hinduism, in which a person renounces all worldly responsibilities and dedicates themselves fully to spiritual practices and contemplation. In this stage, a person is known as a sannyasi or sannyasini, and they are expected to live a simple and ascetic lifestyle, renouncing all material possessions and relationships.
The goal of the sanyasashram stage of life is to achieve ultimate spiritual realization and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Those who enter into this stage of life may spend their time meditating, studying spiritual texts, and engaging in other spiritual practices. It is believed that through the practice of sanyasa, a person can gain a deeper understanding of the true nature of reality and achieve a state of peace and enlightenment.
In Hindu tradition, the sanyasashram stage of life is considered to be the final and most advanced stage of spiritual development, following the stages of being a student, a householder, and a wanderer. It is not expected or necessary for all Hindus to enter into the sanyasashram stage of life, and some may choose to remain in the householder stage or pursue other paths to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
People sometimes directly prefer reaching this ashram directly after undergoing the Brahmacharya way of life, skipping Grihastha and Vanaspratha ashrams altogether.
