Monday, October 15, 2007

Ashramas

Ashramas- The four stages Hindus are expected to pass through over the course of their life.

1. Brahmacharya- Takes place during the school years and focuses on gaining knowledge and developing character
2.Grhastha - Takes place in the middle years and is focused on worldly pursuits and pleasures (marriage, family and career)
3. Vanaprastha- Takes place when one's children reach adulthood, is a time of increased focus on spiritual things; This is known as the hermit stage of life where one begins devoting more time to study of scriptures and meditation.
4. Sannyasa- Takes place in the last years of life. One may abandon the world entirely for a life of contemplation.

hinduism.about.com

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