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In the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] religion, the word '''''Ashrama''''' (from  [[Sanskrit]] "aashraya: meaning ''protection'') has a two-fold meaning: first, it refers to the doctrine of the "four stages of life" for a twice-born man laid out in  the ''[[Manusmrti]]'' and later Classical [[Sanskrit]] texts.  Second, the word ashram may be used to denote a religious hermitage (spiritual retreat center), which provides a person with a refuge from life's distractions and tribulations.  Traditionally, the word ashrams was used within the context of the [[Hindu Law Books]] to elucidate the specific duties of a member of the [[Twice-born|''Dvija'']] (''twice-born'') [[caste]]s (Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya).  These castes are to undergo four periods of life: first, as a student (Brahmacharya); then, as a householder (Grihastha); then, he shall live in retirement (Vanaprastha); and finally, as an ascetic (Sanyasi). The Hindu texts (especially the ''Manusmriti'') go into detail regarding what is expected of an individual during each stage.
 
  
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'''Ashrama,''' in the [[Hinduism|Hindu]] religion (from  [[Sanskrit]]  āśramaḥ: meaning "penance, austerity"),<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ashram "ashram." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 25 Jan. 2008.]</ref> has a two-fold meaning: first, it refers to the doctrine of the "four stages of life" for a twice-born man laid out in the ''[[Manusmrti]]'' and later Classical [[Sanskrit]] texts; second, the word ashram may be used to denote a religious hermitage (spiritual retreat center), which provides refuge from life's distractions and tribulations.  Traditionally, the word ashrams was used within the context of the [[Hindu Law Books]] to elucidate the specific duties of a member of the [[Twice-born|''Dvija'']] (twice-born) [[caste]]s (Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya).  These castes are to undergo four periods of life: First, as a student (Brahmacharya); then, as a householder (Grihastha); then, he shall live in retirement (Vanaprastha); and finally, as an ascetic (Sanyasi). The Hindu texts (especially the ''Manusmriti'') go into detail regarding what is expected of an individual during each stage.
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{{toc}}
 
==The Ashrama system==
 
==The Ashrama system==
According to the Hindu Ashrama system, the average human life was regarded as one hundred years, consisting of four periods of twenty-five years each. The goal of each period was the ideal fulfillment of four consecutive life stages that were tied to the four ''[[Purusartha]]'' (aims of life).<ref>Chakkarath, p. 39.</ref><ref>Rama, p. 467.</ref> The Ashram system is believed by the [[Hindu]]s to lead to a fulfillment of the ''Purushartha'' (four aims of life) namely [[Dharma]] (righteousness), Artha (wealth), [[Kama]] (desires, passions, emotions, drives) and [[Moksha]] (salvation). In [[Hinduism]], the ''purusharthas'' are the canonical four ends or aims of human life.<ref>For dharma, artha, and kama as "brahmanic householder values" see: Flood (1996), p. 17.</ref><ref>For the ''Dharma Śāstras'' as discussing the "four main goals of life" (dharma, artha, {{IAST|kāma}}, and moksha) see: Hopkins, p. 78.</ref><ref>For definition of the term पुरुष-अर्थ ({{IAST|puruṣa-artha}}) as "any of the four principal objects of human life, i.e. {{lang|sa|धर्म}}, {{lang|sa|अर्थ}}, {{lang|sa|काम}}, and {{lang|sa|मोक्ष}}" see: Apte, p. 626, middle column, compound #1.</ref>  These goals are, from lowest to highest:
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According to the Hindu Ashrama system, the average human life was regarded as one hundred years, consisting of four periods of twenty-five years each. The goal of each period was the ideal fulfillment of four consecutive life stages that were tied to the four ''[[Purusartha]]'' (aims of life).<ref>Chakkarath, p. 39.</ref> The Ashram system is believed by the [[Hindu]]s to lead to a fulfillment of the ''Purushartha'' (four aims of life), namely [[Dharma]] (righteousness), Artha (wealth), [[Kama]] (desires, passions, emotions, drives), and [[Moksha]] (salvation). In [[Hinduism]], the ''purusharthas'' are the canonical four ends or aims of human life.<ref>Flood (1996), p. 17.</ref> These goals are, from lowest to highest:
  
* [[Kama|Kāma]] - sensual pleasure or love
+
* [[Kama|Kāma]]--sensual pleasure or love
* Artha - wealth
+
* Artha--wealth
* [[Dharma]] - righteousness or morality
+
* [[Dharma]]--righteousness or morality
* [[Moksha]] - liberation from the cycle of [[reincarnation]]
+
* [[Moksha]]--liberation from the cycle of [[reincarnation]]
  
Historically, the first three goals, ''dharma'', ''artha'' and ''kama'', were articulated first (Sanskrit: trivarga), and the fourth goal, ''moksha'', later (Skt.: chaturvarga). In living tradition, the notion of the four purusharthas represents an holistic approach to the satisfaction of a person's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
+
Historically, the first three goals, ''dharma,'' ''artha,'' and ''kama,'' were articulated first (Sanskrit: Trivarga), and the fourth goal, ''moksha,'' later (Skt.: Chaturvarga). In living tradition, the notion of the four purusharthas represents an holistic approach to the satisfaction of a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
 
|-
 
| ''Vanaprastha''<br/>(retired life)
 
| ''Vanaprastha''<br/>(retired life)
| 50-74 || After the completion of one's householder duties, one gradually withdraws from the world, freely shares wisdom with others, and prepares for the complete renunciation of the final stage.
+
| 50-74 || After the completion of one's householder duties, one gradually withdraws from the world, freely shares wisdom with others, and prepares for the complete renunciation of the final stage. One may only embark upon this stage of life after one's skin wrinkles and the hairs turn grey, or a grandchild is born.  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Sannyasa''<br/>(renounced life)
 
| ''Sannyasa''<br/>(renounced life)
Line 31: Line 31:
 
|}
 
|}
  
==Religious Hermitage or Retreat Center==
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==Religious hermitage or retreat center==
An '''Ashram''' is also a religious hermitage where sages seek to live in [[peace]] and tranquility amidst [[nature]]. Today, the term ashram is often used to refer to an intentional community formed primarily for the spiritual uplift of its members, often headed by a religious leader, swami and guru.
+
An '''Ashram''' is also a religious hermitage where sages seek to live in [[peace]] and tranquility amidst [[nature]]. Today, the term ashram is often used to refer to an intentional community formed primarily for the spiritual uplift of its members, often headed by a religious leader, swami, and guru.
  
 
Traditionally, ashrams were usually located far from human habitation, in forests or [[mountain|mountainous regions]], amidst natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and [[meditation]]. Spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of [[Yoga]], were regularly performed by the residents of an ashram. Other sacrifices and penances, such as [[Yajna]]s were also performed. Many Ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children.  
 
Traditionally, ashrams were usually located far from human habitation, in forests or [[mountain|mountainous regions]], amidst natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and [[meditation]]. Spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of [[Yoga]], were regularly performed by the residents of an ashram. Other sacrifices and penances, such as [[Yajna]]s were also performed. Many Ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children.  
  
Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings until the medieval ages were known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the ''Rajguru'' which literally translates to ''royal teacher''. A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India.
+
Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings until the medieval ages were known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the ''Rajguru,'' which literally translates to "royal teacher." A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India.
  
However, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not always tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic [[Ramayana]], the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, [[Rama]] and Laxman, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of [[Ravana]]. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of enchanted weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Enchanted + Astra: Missile Weapon). In the [[Mahabharata]], Lord [[Krishna]], in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandiipanii, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.
+
However, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not always tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]],'' the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, [[Rama]] and Laxman, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of [[Ravana]]. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of enchanted weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Enchanted + Astra: Missile Weapon). In the [[Mahabharata]], Lord [[Krishna]], in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandiipanii, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.
  
 
Sometimes, the word ''ashram'' is used as a synonym of matha, but mathas are generally more hierarchical and rule-bound than ashrams, belonging to ancient orders of Hindu sadhus (Renunciants who are still searching for realization, as opposed to [[Rishi]]s who have found it.)
 
Sometimes, the word ''ashram'' is used as a synonym of matha, but mathas are generally more hierarchical and rule-bound than ashrams, belonging to ancient orders of Hindu sadhus (Renunciants who are still searching for realization, as opposed to [[Rishi]]s who have found it.)
  
A number of Ashrams have been founded in [[India]] in the 20th century including, among others, the Sabarmati Ashram in [[Ahmedabad]] which served as [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s headquarters during the long struggle for India's independence. Aurobindo Ashram was founded in Pondicherry by the Bengali revolutionary turned mystic [[Sri Aurobindo]].  Pujya Sant Sri Asaramji Bapu's Ashram was established on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.  There are many other ashrams that still exist in India and abroad.
+
A number of Ashrams have been founded in [[India]] in the twentieth century, including, among others, the Sabarmati Ashram in [[Ahmedabad]], which served as [[Mahatma Gandhi]]'s headquarters during the long struggle for India's independence. Aurobindo Ashram was founded in Pondicherry by the Bengali revolutionary turned mystic [[Sri Aurobindo]].  Pujya Sant Sri Asaramji Bapu's Ashram was established on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad.  There are many other ashrams that still exist in India and abroad.
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 48: Line 48:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*{{cite book |last=Apte |first=Vaman Shivram |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary |year=1965 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publishers |location=Delhi |isbn=81-208-0567-4 }} (fourth revised & enlarged edition).
+
*Apte, Vaman Shivram. ''The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary.'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1965. ISBN 81-208-0567-4
*{{cite book |last=Flood |first=Gavin |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=An Introduction to Hinduism |year=1996 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn= 0-521-43878-0}}
+
*Flood, Gavin. ''An Introduction to Hinduism.'' Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-521-43878-0
*{{cite book |last=Hopkins |first=Thomas J. |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=The Hindu Religious Tradition|year=1971 |publisher=Dickenson Publishing Company, Inc. |location=Cambridge |isbn= }}
+
*Hopkins, Thomas J. ''The Hindu Religious Tradition.'' Cambridge: Dickenson Publishing Company, Inc., 1971.
*{{Citation
+
*Friedlmeier, Chakkarath, Schwarz. ''Culture and Human Development.'' Psychology Press, 2005. ISBN 1841695688
| last =Friedlmeier, Chakkarath, Schwarz
+
*Kriyananda, Swami. ''The Hindu Way of Awakening.'' Crystal Clarity Publishers, 1998. ISBN 1-56589-745-5
| first =
+
*Rama, Swami. ''Perennial Psychology of Bhagavad Gita.'' Himalayan Institute Press, 1985. ISBN 0893890901
| year =2005
 
| title =Culture And Human Development
 
| edition =
 
| volume =
 
| publication-place =
 
| publisher =Psychology Press
 
| isbn =1841695688
 
}}
 
*{{Citation
 
| last =Kriyananda
 
| first =Swami
 
| year =1998
 
| title =The Hindu Way of Awakening  
 
| edition =
 
| volume =
 
| publication-place =
 
| publisher =Crystal Clarity Publishers
 
| isbn =1-56589-745-5
 
}}
 
*{{Citation
 
| last =Rama
 
| first =Swami
 
| year =1985
 
| title =Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita  
 
| edition =
 
| volume =
 
| publication-place =
 
| publisher =Himalayan Institute Press
 
| isbn =0893890901
 
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
* [http://hinduism.iskcon.com/practice/702.htm The Four Ashrams] Retrieved Dec. 12, 2007.
+
All links retrieved April 20, 2016.
* [http://www.swamij.com/four-ashrams.htm Living the Four Ashrams of Life] Retrieved Dec. 12, 2007.
+
* [http://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/practice/702.htm The Four Ashrams]  
 +
* [http://www.swamij.com/four-ashrams.htm Living the Four Ashrams of Life]  
  
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]

Revision as of 19:49, 20 April 2016


Ashrama, in the Hindu religion (from Sanskrit āśramaḥ: meaning "penance, austerity"),[1] has a two-fold meaning: first, it refers to the doctrine of the "four stages of life" for a twice-born man laid out in the Manusmrti and later Classical Sanskrit texts; second, the word ashram may be used to denote a religious hermitage (spiritual retreat center), which provides refuge from life's distractions and tribulations. Traditionally, the word ashrams was used within the context of the Hindu Law Books to elucidate the specific duties of a member of the Dvija (twice-born) castes (Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya). These castes are to undergo four periods of life: First, as a student (Brahmacharya); then, as a householder (Grihastha); then, he shall live in retirement (Vanaprastha); and finally, as an ascetic (Sanyasi). The Hindu texts (especially the Manusmriti) go into detail regarding what is expected of an individual during each stage.

The Ashrama system

According to the Hindu Ashrama system, the average human life was regarded as one hundred years, consisting of four periods of twenty-five years each. The goal of each period was the ideal fulfillment of four consecutive life stages that were tied to the four Purusartha (aims of life).[2] The Ashram system is believed by the Hindus to lead to a fulfillment of the Purushartha (four aims of life), namely Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires, passions, emotions, drives), and Moksha (salvation). In Hinduism, the purusharthas are the canonical four ends or aims of human life.[3] These goals are, from lowest to highest:

  • Kāma—sensual pleasure or love
  • Artha—wealth
  • Dharma—righteousness or morality
  • Moksha—liberation from the cycle of reincarnation

Historically, the first three goals, dharma, artha, and kama, were articulated first (Sanskrit: Trivarga), and the fourth goal, moksha, later (Skt.: Chaturvarga). In living tradition, the notion of the four purusharthas represents an holistic approach to the satisfaction of a person's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

The Ashram system
Ashram or stage Age Description[4][5][6]
Brahmacharya
(student life)
0-24 The child typically would live with a Guru (spiritual teacher), acquiring knowledge, practicing self-discipline and celibacy, learning to live a life of dharma (right action), and practicing meditation.
Grihastha
(household life)
25-49 The ideal householder life is spent in selflessly carrying out one's duties to family and society, serving the saints, and gainful labor.
Vanaprastha
(retired life)
50-74 After the completion of one's householder duties, one gradually withdraws from the world, freely shares wisdom with others, and prepares for the complete renunciation of the final stage. One may only embark upon this stage of life after one's skin wrinkles and the hairs turn grey, or a grandchild is born.
Sannyasa
(renounced life)
75-100 Completely withdrawing from the world, this is a time of complete dedication to spiritual pursuits, the seeking of moksha (spiritual freedom), and practicing meditation.

Religious hermitage or retreat center

An Ashram is also a religious hermitage where sages seek to live in peace and tranquility amidst nature. Today, the term ashram is often used to refer to an intentional community formed primarily for the spiritual uplift of its members, often headed by a religious leader, swami, and guru.

Traditionally, ashrams were usually located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. Spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of Yoga, were regularly performed by the residents of an ashram. Other sacrifices and penances, such as Yajnas were also performed. Many Ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children.

Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings until the medieval ages were known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the Rajguru, which literally translates to "royal teacher." A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India.

However, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not always tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, Rama and Laxman, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of Ravana. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of enchanted weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Enchanted + Astra: Missile Weapon). In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandiipanii, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.

Sometimes, the word ashram is used as a synonym of matha, but mathas are generally more hierarchical and rule-bound than ashrams, belonging to ancient orders of Hindu sadhus (Renunciants who are still searching for realization, as opposed to Rishis who have found it.)

A number of Ashrams have been founded in India in the twentieth century, including, among others, the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, which served as Mahatma Gandhi's headquarters during the long struggle for India's independence. Aurobindo Ashram was founded in Pondicherry by the Bengali revolutionary turned mystic Sri Aurobindo. Pujya Sant Sri Asaramji Bapu's Ashram was established on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad. There are many other ashrams that still exist in India and abroad.

Notes

  1. "ashram." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 25 Jan. 2008.
  2. Chakkarath, p. 39.
  3. Flood (1996), p. 17.
  4. Chakkarath, p. 39.
  5. Rama, p. 467.
  6. Kriyananda, p. 154.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Apte, Vaman Shivram. The Practical Sanskrit Dictionary. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1965. ISBN 81-208-0567-4
  • Flood, Gavin. An Introduction to Hinduism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-521-43878-0
  • Hopkins, Thomas J. The Hindu Religious Tradition. Cambridge: Dickenson Publishing Company, Inc., 1971.
  • Friedlmeier, Chakkarath, Schwarz. Culture and Human Development. Psychology Press, 2005. ISBN 1841695688
  • Kriyananda, Swami. The Hindu Way of Awakening. Crystal Clarity Publishers, 1998. ISBN 1-56589-745-5
  • Rama, Swami. Perennial Psychology of Bhagavad Gita. Himalayan Institute Press, 1985. ISBN 0893890901

External links

All links retrieved April 20, 2016.

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