Ashrama Dharma or Shastric Concept - Hindu Law

Hindu Social Structure with reference to Ashrama – Dharma or Shastric Concept

Acc to Shastric Concept of Hindu Life, Average life of Human being was of 100 years to be divided into 4 stages

-          Brahmacharya

-          Grihastha

-          Vanaprasatha

-          Sanyas Ashram

Brahmacharya

During this period

-          An individual is expected to gain Knowledge under the guidance and control of Guru

-          After learning Vedas and other Science and having blessed by his preceptor (Guru) his Brahmacharya Ashram comes to end.

After the completion of 25^th year, he enters the second stage of Life

Grihastha

During this period

-          An individual is expected to marry and experience the pleasures of Life.

-          As per Purushartha Theory Artha & Karma were to be acquired in this Ashram

-          Artha means acquisition of Wealth & Prosperity.

-          Karma means enjoyment & Pleasures, including Sexual enjoyment

Vanaprasatha

During this period

-          The Husband & Wife left the worldly life, detach themselves from the family and devote their time in Work ship or Upasana.

-          This is the beginning of Ultimate goal of Human Life

-          An individual at this stage should try to get rid of the illusions (Maya) of the physical world and realize the Truth.

Sanyas Ashram

During this period

-          One has to give up everything which is worldly

-          It is a life of complete renunciation

-          One has to concentrate on worship, meditation, which are the paths of realization of God or self