Human Life Stages

The Hindu school of thought stresses upon four major stages or phrases of life. Coined as Ashramas, the life of a human being is mainly divided into four phrases, namely, Brahmacharya or celibacy, Grahastha or living in matrimonial bliss, Vanaprastha or living in close union with nature away from the hustle and bustle of life, and Sanyasa or complete renunciation of all the worldly pleasures.

The ancient system of life believed that a man will live for 100 years, and each of these phrases was supposed to continue for 25 years each. The first quarter of the life, Brahmacharya, which literally means 'grazing in Brahma', was therefore supposed to be spent in celibate, abstemious and untainted meditation of life's secrets under a Guru. This phrase was known to be used for making the body and mind for the later responsibilities of life.

It is in this phrase that a human being is supposed to obtain the knowledge of both God and world, keeping strict control over his mind, senses and body.

The second stage, Grihstha, which is a householder's stage, then follows. This quarter is utilized by a person by getting married, prospering in a professional career and satisfying karma and artha in a married life.

The third stage, Vanaprastha, comes as a steady aloofness from the material world. The human being in this stage of life is expected to trust his/her progeny with the family duties and make holy pilgrimages thus spending more time in contemplation of the truth.

The final stage of life is Sanyasa. An individual is supposed to go off into seclusion in this stage. He makes every possible effort to find God through meditation and finally sheds body peacefully to make way for the next life.