The four stages of life.

 Ancient Indian culture has ideally divided the lifecycle of a common human in four stages. Through these four stages a person can fulfill his duties as per the age and societal norms. This was part of ‘dharma’ in Hindu culture. Dharma or dhamma as said by the Buddhist is loosely translated as religion by the west but it actually means a concept of moral rightness in all actions of life. Over here religion is not the religion which we have made it now but it was a way of how an ideal life should be lived. These four stages have been mentioned in ancient manuscripts dating back to pre Christ era.

The first stage is called ‘brahmacharya’ which is the stage of student life living in celibacy. This stage started around 5-8 years of age and continued till 20-25 years of age and it was for both boys and girls. It was like a hostel life where students left home to stay with a ‘guru’/ teacher who imparted traditional as well as spiritual education which would prepare them for the subsequent stages of life. It was also a vocational training period which taught them about the profession they would pursue in later stage of life. This was mostly dependent on the family profession. In this stage students abstained from romantic and sexual inclination.

The second stage is called ‘grihastha’ meaning leading a family life. In Hindu system, marriage is a sacred bond which had to be fulfilled by both the parties. The man was expected to take up the responsibility of earning a living and supporting the family and the woman was expected to look after the household affairs. This stage was meant to fulfill the desires of materialism and sexual pleasure needs so that both men and women feel contended. It was a stage where everyone was expected to be a productive member of the society and also contribute towards the society by helping the poor, participating and following on social norms lead a highly moral life. This stage continued till the age of around 50 when the hair started graying and wrinkles started showing.

The third stage is called the ‘vanaprastha’ meaning gradually reducing the attachment from material things and family life and focusing more towards the spiritual aspects. After a fulfilling grihastha life when children have grown up, now they slowly loved to forests to live a secluded life devoting time to spiritual practices and be with the seekers of true knowledge, peace and freedom. Now a person a can take his wife with him but not as a sexual partner but more of a companion. This stage is from 50 to 70 years. This stage was however not mandatory for all as some decided to continue the grihastha life till the end. But those who followed the third stage would again look for a guru who would guide them to the last stage.

The last stage is the ‘sanyasa’ meaning the life of a wandering recluse renouncing all worldly attachments. This stage was devoted towards a spiritual journey which would get them out of the cycle of birth death and rebirth through attainment of self realization/liberation. It can be said to be the hermit stage. A person can directly enter this stage after the first stage that is brahmacharya if he shows sufficient inclination towards pursuing a spiritual journey without any attachment towards material and physical pleasure. This stage was from 70 years till death.

In present times also we follow the first two stages. The third stage is also coming back but in a modified way. Now many follow the financially independent and retire early principle where they devote time towards volunteering and social causes. These people now want to give back to the society something they have earned and become expert in. The last stage is now also a reclusive stage for us as the children and well settled and working mostly somewhere else and parents are mostly staying alone.