The Four Ashramas (Stages of Life)

 

The Four Ashramas (Stages of Life)

Stage (Ashrama)Approximate AgeCore Duty (Dharma)Purpose (Purushartha)Description
1. Brahmacharya0 to 25Learning and ServiceDharma (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. Grihastha25 to 50Householder and ProviderArtha (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. Vanaprastha50 to 75Detachment and ReflectionDharma (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. Sannyasa75+Renunciation and LiberationMoksha (Liberation)The stage of the ascetic. The person completely renounces all material possessions, attachments, and worldly duties, becoming a wandering ascetic dedicated solely to achieving the realization of the Atman/Brahman.

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