Ashrama Dharma (Vedanta Pt-4)
In this materialistic world, when each day that passes brings with itself, more horrors than we could ever imagine, ‘’Aashrama Vyavasttha’’ becomes increasingly important and relevant.
Ashrama translates to:
“Stages of Life.”
(Chathurvaraha Ashrama — 4 stages of life)
Derivate translation: Ashrama
Effort — spiritual sadhana
Ashrama
A stage of life in which one is committed to spiritual sadhana
According to our scriptures, our entire life is a spiritual journey, split into 4 stages, that ultimately lead to moksha or spiritual freedom.
The 4 stages of life:
- Brahmachari Ashrama
This stage in life deals with the first type of education: Value education
With character building being one of the most important aspects of this journey, education and meditation play a vital and undeniably a larger role.
When anyone talks about education in today’s world all that comes to mind is “Would this degree be valid?” ”Will this profession make me enough money?” “Will I be able to lead a comfortable and luxurious life?” and more, along the same lines as these. Artha Kaama has, unfortunately, become the most important thing in most people’s minds as they relentlessly work towards achieving that. Although this has been accepted as important, it should only be secondary.
So, exactly what type of education is being talked about, here?
- To enhance one’s character or personality, spiritual education becomes extremely important. This should be the primary goal for any vaidika; that spiritual goal is the ultimate goal.
- The knowledge of some form of religious worship or rituals. Physicalized forms of worship, such as performing pooja, are important as well. This inculcates discipline in one’s mind.
- Being open to a variety of activities. Learning new things now and then and essentially, not being lazy by developing a dynamic routine adds to the process of disciplining the mind. This discipline would ultimately lead to the expression of devotion.
- Understand and realize the only permanent relationship is the one with God.
- Must teach the important values in life: the external constants in life, according to which one must lead their lives.
2. Grihastha Ashrama
Family life, according to our scriptures, is primarily a religious institution. Materialistic aspects of the stage, such as “a sense of security for life” or “pleasure” are just incidental and mustn’t be dwelled upon too much as otherwise, which could result in instability and discontentment. Only in a stable environment will there be any room for tolerance, patience, trust, and other important virtues. Finally, this type of stable family is of absolute importance in terms of raising emotionally healthy children.
3. Vanaprastha Ashrama
A training period for gradual withdrawal. As we grow old, our physical body becomes unable to deliver and thus, this stage becomes important as one learns to enjoy the company of oneself. This stage prepares one for the next stage, “sannyasa ashrama.”
4. Sanyasa Ashrama
The second type of education — spiritual education
This stage of life involves renunciation of everything, especially ignorance and one’s ego. Developing a sense of detachment becomes important in the last few years of one’s life as there’s nothing else left for them, apart from death.
It is advised that all of us go through all these stages, mentally at least, if not physically.
Article By: Ananya Ravindran for Dharmika
Edited By: Vikram for Dharmika
