The stages of life system in Hindu society are; student (Brahmachari), householder (Grihasta) forest dweller (Vanaprasta) retirement stage (Sannyasi) and the Dharma of each differs. The four stages are to signify phases of training, fabrication, service and retirement. In this study am going to discuss the four phases and the obligation affiliated with each.
In the student stage, the student moves in with teacher and studies the Vedas. The learner serves the teacher courteously and studies the text. This is where the practical knowledge, habits and skills of the student are honed. On the other hand in the house holder stage, the marriage rules are described in the Laws of Manu. The world is given attention in the aspect of career family and community.
The Forest Retirement phase starts after the birth of a grandchild; the grandfathers can abandon social obligations. This stage indulges coming to terms with your status quo. There is time to study, think, and consider the importance of life without the disruption of duty. In the Forest Dweller phase, a couple moves to the forest to start in serious the path of self-discovery
The forest dweller evaluates Sannyasin’s philosophy-one who doesn’t hate or love anything. The philosophy is wholly self-reliant and is beyond dharma and so in a way it is further than evil and good. Moreover, there are no social affectations-things simply are what they are. Once mental, detachment, and economic sovereignty, is attained, the Sannyasin can go back to the town. This phase of life is an essential circumstance for the attainment of salvation.
References
Molloy, M. (2010). Experiencing the world's religions: Tradition, challenge, and change. New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
