The Four Ashramas (Stages of Life)
The Four Ashramas (Stages of Life) Stage (Ashrama) Approximate Age Core Duty (Dharma) Purpose (Purushartha) Description 1. Brahmacharya 0 to 25 Learning and Service Dharma (Moral Duty) The stage of the student. The young person lives with a Guru, practices celibacy, and dedicates themselves to the study of the Vedas and other knowledge. 2. Grihastha 25 to 50 Householder and Provider Artha (Wealth), Kama (Pleasure) The stage of the householder. The person marries, raises a family, earns a livelihood, and fulfills societal obligations and sacrifices (rituals). 3. Vanaprastha 50 to 75 Detachment and Reflection Dharma (Moral Duty) The stage of the forest dweller/retiree. The person gradually withdraws from active family life, gives up social responsibilities, and moves to a secluded place (often the forest) for spiritual contemplation. 4. Sannyasa 75+ Renunciation and Liberation Moksha (Liberation) The stage of the ascetic. The person completely renounces all material possession...