- The Hindu social system is structured by the underlying code of religion. This code is reflected through the basic principle of Varna – Ashrama – Dharma. While Varna deals with the division of society according to the mindset, Ashrama deals with the nature of training and living in four stages of life. Together they propound a system referred to as Varna Ashrama – Vyavastha.
- Each stage of life is not only a natural part of the journey from cradle to grave, but a time at which spirituality can be developed.
- Varna Model is for Individual and Aashram Model is for Society. Both systems are to achieve Purushartha. The purpose of life for Hindus is to achieve four aims, called Purusharthas. These are Religion, Lust, Finance and Beatitude. These provide opportunities for Humans to grow vertically to live ethically, morally and lead a good life.
- Brahmacharya (student): During this period one will study for significance and for livelihood by conserving energy in order to transcend energy. With that one has to learn to give and contribute. Teacher can only give you a life of livelihood. But Guru can mould you towards your self-nature, Blissful. In this Aashram one develops all the appropriate qualities to evolve from the Shura to Vaishya’s mindset: humility, self-discipline, simplicity, purity of thought, cleanliness, soft-heartedness, and so on.
- Gṛhastha (householder): After completing Brahmacharya, starts using knowledge for desires and lustful life. During this period one is living to fulfil the achievements and Pitru Runa, that needs to be cleared from being a child. Learn to take the responsibility of self and family. In this ashram one will understand lust and desires and how they are controlled by it. With that understanding one will start transcending energy of lust and desire and develop all the appropriate qualities to evolve from the Vaishyas to Kshatriya’s mindset: Transforming the energy of attachment, jealousy and hatred into forgiveness, desirelessness and affection. Transcending it will show that lust and desire are bondage and forgiveness, desirelessness and affection are liberation. First glimpse of liberation.
- Vanaprastha (forest walker/forest dweller): After completing Gṛhastha successfully one will retire from Gṛhastha for self-study. After knowing what is bondage and what is freedom, one will begin to reflect on oneself and search for the meaning of life. Remember that no one can teach you, still one has to study. Preparation for renunciation started. By self-study one can discriminate and transcend self-identity to individuality by renouncing and relinquishing the ego. From a Kshatriya one would grow into a Brahmin mindset.
- Sannyasa (renunciate): After self-study one will realise the values of meaning of life. So now one will practise austerity to give up the ego, which is an obstacle. Through the practice of austerity one can find real happiness, joy within oneself, learn the knack of dis-identifying with the mind. With the maturity of Sannyas one will realise self-nature and evolve from the mindset of a Brahmin and become established in the Self-nature.
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