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Hinduism

Introduction
Origins
The Vedic Tradition
Upanishadic Metaphysics
A Way of Life:
Caste (Varna)
Stages of Life (Ashrama)
Goals of Life (Dharma)
The Hindu Pantheon:
Brahma
Vishnu
Shiva
The Feminine Divine
Devotional Hinduism (Bhakti)
Spiritual Disciplines:
Karma Yoga (action)
Jnana Yoga (knowledge)
Raja Yoga (meditation)
The Bhagavad Gita
Modern Times

Ashrama: Four Stages of Life

These stages of life are traditionally followed only by the three higher classes - the "Twice Born". The native Shudras were excluded from Aryan-Vedic society.

  • Student - ages 8 - 20 (initiated with the "sacred thread" ceremony - their "second birth" into Hindu society)

  • Householder (the family man) - a focus on the pleasures (marriage & family), successes (vocation) and duties (civic responsibilities) of life in this world

    It is said that, these days, upwards of 50% of marriages end in divorce. Is there a better way to find life long happiness with a single spouse? Is there wisdom in the traditional practice of arranged marriage?

    Do arranged marriages still take place amongst modern Indians (even those now in the USA)? Here's an interesting look at the practice of arranged marriage in the life of contemporary Indian Americans (i.e., grown children of immigrants from India raised here in America). Check out these resources:

    From the Washington Post Magazine: Marriage at First Sight
    "They date, go to U2 concerts, hit bars with pals. But for the sake of tradition and family, even some highly Americanized Indian immigrants agree to wed strangers." By Paula Span (appeared Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003; Page W16)

    From NPR's Marketplace report: Tech modifies the arranged marriage
    "The concept of finding a date on the Internet has gained legitimacy over the past few years and has now even spread to communities where arranged marriages are the norm." (aired Dec. 10, 2003) (RealPlayer Audio)

    A student's presentation on the Hindu wedding ceremony

  • Retirement (the Hermit) - after first grandchild is born. A time for study, the beginning of looking beyond this life and this world as one approaches old age and death. A concern for what awaits.

  • Renunciation (the Renunciant, the Yogin or Yogi, the Sadhu, Sannyasin) - one may take this stage at any point in life, even skipping over Householder life. In this "stage", one is focused solely on the spiritual life. A rejection of and withdrawal from society and the world. Monastic life (the term "sadhu" refers to a "holy man").

Think of different people you know. Which stage of life is each in? Which stage of life are YOU in?

Activity: The Four Ashramas - a collage


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Created by Laura Ellen Shulman 

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Last updated: August 07, 2004