The Four Ashramas
Although there are numerous rites and practices of worship in the history
of Hinduism, in terms of religious influences on lifestyle, it is important
to highlight the following foundational tenets, now enjoying much popularity
in the western world. With the development of new philosophical thought
in the Upanishads, specific devotional paths and a “philosophy of
life” crystallized. The concept of seeking “moksha”
by living an ideal life—one of ultimate renunciation—was designed
in what was called the doctrine of the “ashramas.” The specific
paths to this liberation were called “margas.”
In the doctrine Four Ashramas, it is encouraged that a boy first participate
in a rite that establishes him in his class of society. This happens between
the age of 8 and 12, following which he lives with his “guru,”
or spiritual teacher, for 12 years. As a Brahmacharin, or student, he
studies the Vedas and learns to obey and serve the guru (women have not
been allowed to read the Vedas, traditionally). Then he can marry and
establish a household, known as the Householder stage, in which he lives
an honorable and devout life. He graduates from this to the Forest Dweller,
after his first grandson is born or his hair grays. At this time, his
wife may accompany him to a forest hermitage where he will meditate and
reflect on philosophical ideas and religious symbols. The final stage
is one of the Wandering Ascetic, in which he totally renounces the world
and becomes a mendicant, seeking only Brahman and self-realization. When
“moksha,” or Union with the Divine, is attained, “never
again will the spirit be entangled in the bonds of karma and samsara…[he]
is called a ‘jivanmukta,’ a soul that is liberated while still
alive.” ( Religions Of The World,1969:393) A man at this point in
his life lives only until his residual karma is worked out.
These are the Four Ashramas: Brahma charm, Housholder, Forest Dweller
and Wondering Ascetic.
While most men have been content to remain in the
stage of the Householder, in modern India there are often rooms or small
places within the home where the ideals of the last two stages can be
followed. As well, modern ascetics belong to religious orders, rather
than being the products of the sequence of these life stages. They may
become great teachers with followings in their residences or schools known
as ashrams. While women were never allowed to actually study religion,
they were free to worship and therefore could be recognized and venerated
as saints and teachers if their lives displayed great natural wisdom and
healing powers.