Four Stages Of Life

The world's most ancient religion has a limited number of followers compared to the much younger religions. Hinduism, a way of life for people in the Indian subcontinent and few other regions of the world instructs its followers to lead a certain way of life. There is no compulsion but following it could do wonders for one. In the ancient times, people used to live much longer than the current generations of people.

A lifespan was divided into fours parts, keeping in mind that people used to live up to 100 years in those times. The idea was to follow each step for 20- 25 years. Each period is called a Asrama. The second asrama generally is the longest one.

The four stages are as follows:

1) Brahmacharya- Asrama

2) Grihastha- Asrama

3) Vanaprastha- Asrama

4) Sannyasa- Asrama

Brahmacharya- Asrama:

Brahmacharya means celibacy. This is the learning phase of life. One must remain celibate during this Asrama and gain knowledge from one's teacher. This stage generally begins at the age of 8. A ceremony called Upanayana is held to introduce the student to his teacher.

Grishastha- Asrama:

This is the stage when a person is married and is expected to fulfill his duties towards his wife, children, father and mother. This is the longest Asrama of the four. During this span, one has to use the knowledge acquired during the Brahmacharya to live his life. One is allowed to enjoy the pleasures of life, keeping in mind to secure wealth.This phase ends at an age of 50.

Vanaprastha- Asrama:

This literally means going to the forest. This is the second last of the four. One has to retire, get back to celibacy and give up possessions to their children and enter the forest. The person would have to live on alms and should live like a hermit.

One cannot enter this stage if their children are not in a state to be independent. Daughters should be married off and sons should be able to earn a livelihood for themselves. This ensures that he has successfully completed his Grihastha- Asrama.

Sannyasa- Asrama:

Sannyasa means complete renunciation. The last stage of life in the four phases. This may or may not start at the age of 75. One has to dedicate himself to spirituality completely. Fruits and the organic edibles found in the jungle should be the only source of nourishment. The person is not allowed to eat cooked food and beg for alms. One should avoid unnecessary contact with anybody. The body doesn't need to be taken care of. He should practise austerity and be prepared for salvation (Moksha). Following this stage properly, releases one from the cycle of birth and rebirth.