This is a conversation between Arjun and Avni.
They are discussing about the importance of Ashramas in Sanatana Dharma.
Hello Avni. Are you ready to discuss about the concept of Ashramas in Sanatana Dharma?
Hello Arjun. The phases of life are so interesting, aren't they? Our entire lifespan is divided into four stages, or aśramas: childhood, youth, middle age, and old age.
Absolutely! As we move through these phases, so many changes happen both physically and mentally, and they're irreversible. Each phase is called an āśrama, and there are specific duties for each one to help with our development.
Right! We have brahmacharya, gŗihastha, vānaprastha, and sanyāsa. There's this great Subhāshita that sums up the essence of achieving important life goals at the right times: "One who does not acquire education in the first stage, wealth in the second stage, and renown in the third stage, then what can he do in the fourth stage?"
Exactly. The early phase of life up until 20 years is the brahmacharya āśrama, where traditionally, studying the Vēdas and other subjects under a guru's guidance is the main focus.
In today's world, brahmacharya āśrama is like the period up to finishing college or university. During this time, students should avoid distractions and focus on building a strong foundation for their future.
Yes, and there's this Subhāshita that emphasizes the unparalleled value of education: "There is no relative who can match education. There is no friend equal to education. There is no money equal to education. There is no happiness that can be matched with education."
And that's so true. Education opens doors and brings universal respect and honor, no matter where you go.
Absolutely. An educated person is respected everywhere, unlike a king who is only respected in his own country.
And that's why education and the experiences it brings are invaluable. They stay with you forever, unlike other things in life that come and go.
Knowledge is truly the supreme wealth. It can't be stolen, seized, divided, or burdened by weight. It increases by sharing.
The best time for education is until you finish college or university. Education requires hard work and dedication, often at the cost of pleasure and comfort.
Indeed. As the Subhāshita says, "One who desires pleasure gives up education. One who seeks education gives up pleasure. Where is the education for one who desires pleasure? Where is the pleasure for one who desires education?"
Education is what sets humans apart from animals. It imparts subject knowledge and also develops personality, or soft skills, which are essential for success.
Soft skills like courtesy, discretion, manners, politeness, readiness, and tact add beauty to a person's education. Stories like those in "Panchatantra" help in teaching these skills to children.
And turning education and soft skills into a livelihood is the next step. There are mainly four types of livelihoods: agriculture, animal husbandry, trade, and employment.
Educational institutions should provide entrepreneurial skills to students, enabling them to become self-employed and take advantage of government assistance.
"Success is the intersection of preparation and opportunity." Creating opportunities may not be in our hands, but building competencies is.
Visionaries anticipate opportunities by staying informed and building relevant skills. Many intellectuals and scientists are lifelong students, constantly re-skilling.
And wisdom truly transcends borders. A king is respected in his own country, but a learned person is respected everywhere.
Recognizing the greatness of education, students must make the most of their valuable time. As another Subhāshita beautifully outlines: "Knowledge imparts humility; from humility, one attains worthiness. From worthiness, one acquires wealth; from wealth, one achieves righteousness, and from righteousness, happiness."
So, after finishing our education and getting married, we enter the gŗhastha āśrama, right? This phase involves taking up a job, raising children, looking after parents, charity work, and other responsibilities until retirement.
Yes, exactly. The stages of life—brahmachārī (student), gŗihastha (householder), vānaprastha (hermit), and yati (ascetic)—all stem from the householder phase.
Gŗhastha spans over 40 years and is the most crucial period. Every decision we make has a long-term impact on ourselves and those around us.
Indeed. Good education, a suitable job or business for earning wealth, and mutual understanding with one's life partner are essential for prosperity and happiness in life.
Earning wealth through righteous means is a householder's duty. The Vēdas, wife, hard work, and wealth are all crucial roots of knowledge and prosperity.
Two important duties of a householder are raising children with good education and culture and looking after parents in their old age.
If we fail in raising children properly, they might be rejected by society. Parents who don't educate their child are like enemies to the child.
Yes, an uneducated child does not shine in the assembly of the learned like a crane among swans. It's also our duty to provide adequate facilities to our parents without affecting their self-esteem.
It truly is. "It is the duty of a son to take care of his father during illness and to look after his mother." Retirement begins the vānaprastha āśrama, or the hermit stage, where one spends time studying scriptures and doing penance.
In modern life, this is the time after retirement. Engaging in activities like reading scriptures, meditation, charity work, and community service are common in this stage.
Yes, planning and preparing for retirement is essential. Otherwise, the emptiness of life can become intolerable. Sharing experiences, writing, or leading community organizations can be fulfilling.
Maintaining health is crucial, even in old age. Regular, simple exercises and nourishing food can ensure a healthy life. Mental health is equally important.
Absolutely. Engaging in constructive activities, pursuing hobbies, and practicing mindfulness can significantly contribute to mental well-being.
Old age shouldn't be a burden. Staying active physically and mentally, through exercise and spiritual practices, is vital.
Sanyāsa āśrama, the stage of renouncing worldly life, focuses on acquiring self-knowledge leading to emancipation (Moksha). They have no specific duties except spiritual practice.
In present times, many embrace sanyāsa and engage in good work for society. However, true ascetics are dedicated to realizing themselves as Brahman.
Those ascetics engage in listening to scriptures, contemplating on the nature of Brahman, meditating, and realizing Brahman as their own self.