Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram System in Ancient India
Dr. Subhash Chandra Assistant Professor Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, Delhi, India Email: [email protected] Web: http://sanskrit.du.ac.in/faculty/subhash.html Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India In this lecture……
. Ashram System . Objective of Ashram System . Ashram and Purushartha . Major Ashram and Duties (Dharma) Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram System
Ashram (आश्रम) is second most important institution of Hindu social institution.
The term derived from the verb root "श्रम्" which mean to do hard work or effort.
Thus the Ashramas are the stages where hard works or efforts to be done.
Ashrama is related to training and education. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram System
Ancient Indian social thinkers had divided human life into four major stages called Ashram: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa.
A branch of psychology called Developmental psychology also deals the human development in two major stages.
An Ashrama in Hinduism is one of four age-based life stages discussed in Indian texts of the ancient and medieval eras.
The four ashramas are: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (renunciate). Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram System
Under the Ashram system, the human lifespan was divided into four periods.
The goal of each period was the fulfilment and development of the individual.
An Ashrama in Hinduism is one of four age-based life stages discussed in Indian texts of the ancient and medieval eras.
The four ashramas are: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (renunciate). Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram System
The classical system, in the Ashrama Upanishad, the Vaikhanasa Dharmasutra and the later Dharmashastra, presents these as sequential stages of human life and recommends ages for entry to each stage, while in the original system presented in the early Dharmasutras the Ashramas were four alternative available ways of life, neither presented as sequential nor with age recommendations. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram and Purushartha
The Ashramas system is one facet of the complex Dharma concept in Hinduism.
It is integrated with the concept of Purushartha, or four proper aims of life in Hindu philosophy, namely, Dharma (piety, morality, duties), Artha (wealth, health, means of life), Kama (love, relationships, emotions) and Moksha (liberation, freedom, self- realization)
Each of the four Ashramas of life are a form of personal and social environment, each stage with ethical guidelines, duties and responsibilities, for the individual and for the society. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Ashram and Purushartha
Each Ashrama stage places different levels of emphasis on the four proper goals of life, with different stages viewed as steps to the attainment of the ideal in Hindu philosophy, namely Moksha Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Ashram system
Ashram or Age Description stage Brahmacharya Till 25 . Brahmacharya represented the bachelor student stage of life. (student life) . This stage focused on education and included the practice of celibacy. . The student went to a Gurukul (house of the guru) and typically would live with a Guru (teacher). . To acquiring knowledge of science, philosophy, scriptures and logic, practicing self-discipline, working to earn dakshina to be paid for the guru, learning to live a life of Dharma (righteousness, morals, duties). Grihastha 26–50 . This stage referred to the individual's married life, with the duties (household life) of maintaining a household, raising a family, educating one's children, and leading a family-centred and a dharmic social life. . Grihastha stage was considered as the most important of all stages in sociological context. . As human beings in this stage not only pursued a virtuous life, they produced food and wealth that sustained people in other stages of life, as well as the offsprings that continued mankind. . The stage also represented one where the most intense physical, Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Ashram system
Ashram or Age Description stage Vanaprastha 51–75 . The retirement stage, where a person handed over household (retired life) responsibilities to the next generation, took an advisory role, and gradually withdrew from the world. . Vanaprastha stage was a transition phase from a householder's life with its greater emphasis on Artha and Kama (wealth, security, pleasure and sexual pursuits) to one with greater emphasis on Moksha (spiritual liberation). Sannyasa 76- till . The stage was marked by renunciation of material desires and (renounced life) death prejudices, represented by a state of disinterest and detachment from material life, generally without any meaningful property or home (Ascetic). . It focused on Moksha, peace and simple spiritual life. . Anyone could enter this stage after completing the Brahmacharya stage of life. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Major Ashram and Duties
Brahmacharya
Grihastha
Vanaprastha
Sannyasa Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) is a concept within Indian religions that literally means "conduct consistent with Brahma". In simple terms on the path of Brahma.
Brahmacharya is when a person controls his citta, abstaining through word, thought, and deed from physical or sensual pleasures to achieve Brahmagyan.
Brahmacharya is the first of four Ashrama (age-based stages) of a human life
The brahmacharya (bachelor student) stage of life – from childhood up to twenty-five years of age Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
It was focused on education and included the practice and preparation of future life.
The word brahmacharya stems from two Sanskrit roots:
Brahman is what god is called in the Vedas, the main Hindu scriptures.
charya (चर्य), which means "occupation with, engaging, proceeding, behavior, conduct, to follow, going after". This is often translated as activity, conduct, or mode of behavior.
Brahmacharya is a means, not an end. It usually includes cleanliness, ahimsa, simple living, studies, meditation, and voluntary restraints on certain foods (eating only Sattvic food), intoxicants, and sexual behavior which is no sex at all cost not even with mind. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
Brahamacharya asrama occupied the first 20–25 years of life roughly corresponding to adolescence.
Upon the child's Upanayana the young person would begin a life of study in the Gurukula (the household of the Guru) dedicated to learning all aspects of dharma that is the "principles of righteous living".
Dharma comprised personal responsibilities towards himself, family, society, humanity and God which included the environment, earth and nature.
This educational period started when the child was five to eight years old and lasted until the age of 14 to 25 years Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad suggests that Brahmacharya (student) stage of life should extend from the age a child is ready to receive teachings from a guru, and continue for a period of twelve years.
The Brahmacharya begin with Upanayana and ends with Samavartanam ceremony.
The graduate was then ready to either start Grihastha (householder) stage of life, or wait, or pursue a life of Sannyasa and solitude like Rishis in forest. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
Vyasa in Chapter 234 of Shanti Parva in the Mahabharata praises Brahmacharya as an important stage of life necessary for learning, then adds Grihastha stage as the root of society and important to an individual's success.
The Vedas and Upanishads do not restrict the student stage of life to males. Atharva Veda, for example, states
ब्रह्मचर्ेण कꅍर्ा र्ुवानं ववꅍदते पवतम् | ( Atharva Veda, 11.5.18)
A youthful Kanya (कꅍर्ा, girl) who graduates from Brahmacharya, obtains a suitable husband. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Brahmacharya Ashram
Generally there was no restriction of the age for the Brahmacharya.
Few texts states that there were no age restrictions for the start of Brahmacharya in ancient India.
Not only young men, but older people resorted to student stage of life, and sought teachers who were authoritative in certain subjects.
The Chandogya Upanishad, in Section 5.11, describes "wealthy and learned householders" becoming Brahmacharis (students) with Rishi Kaikeya, to gain knowledge about Atman (Soul, inner Self) and Brahman (Ultimate Reality). Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Historical references to Brahmacharya
The Vedas discuss Brahmacharya, both in the context of lifestyle and stage of one's life.
Rigveda, however, refers to these people as Muni and Vati
The Atharva Veda, completed by about 1000 BC, has more explicit discussion of Brahmacharya, in Book XI Chapter 5.
This Chapter of Atharva Veda describes Brahmacharya as that which leads to one's second birth (mind, Self-awareness), with Hymn 11.5.3 painting a symbolic picture that when a teacher accepts a Brahmachari, the student becomes his embryo. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India Historical references to Brahmacharya
The concept and practice of Brahmacarya is extensively found among the older strata of the Mukhya Upanishads in Hinduism
The 8th century BC text Chandogya Upanishad describes in Book 8, activities and lifestyle that is Brahmacharya.
The Vedas and early Upanishadic texts of Hinduism in their discussion of Brahmacharya, make no mention of the age of the student at the start of Brahmacharya nor any restraint on sexual activity. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
Grihastha literally means "being in and occupied with home, family" or "householder".
It refers to the second phase of an individual's life in a four age- based stages of the Hindu ashram system.
It follows Brahmacharya (bachelor student) life stage, and embodies a married life, with the duties of maintaining a home, raising a family, educating one's children, and leading a family- centred and a dharmic social life. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
This stage of Ashrama is conceptually followed by Vanaprastha (forest dweller, retired) and Sannyasa (renunciation).
This stage of life was essential to completing the full development of a human being and fulfilling all the needs of the individual and society.
Ancient and medieval era texts of Hinduism consider Grihastha stage as the most important of all stages in sociological context, as human beings in this stage not only pursue a virtuous life, they produce food and wealth that sustains people in other stages of life, as well as the offsprings that continues mankind. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
The householder stage is also considered in Indian philosophy as one where the most intense physical, sexual, emotional, occupational, social and material attachments exist in a human being's life.
In Indian traditions, Grihastha stage of life is a recommendation, but not a requirement.
Any Brahmacharya may, if he or she wants, skip householder and retirement stage, go straight to Sannyasa stage of life, thereby renouncing worldly and materialistic pursuits and dedicating their lives to spiritual pursuits. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
The Sanskrit word Grihastha (गृहथ) is a composite "Grih-astha" of two root words Grih (गृह) and Astha (अथ).
Grih means "home, family, house“.
While Asth means "devoted to, occupied with, being in".
Grihastha means that which "being in and occupied with home, family" or simply "householder" Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
It identified four stages of a human life, with distinct differences based on natural human needs and desires, as well as how these stages integrated with fulfilling, joyful four goals of life called Purushartha - Dharma (piety, morality, duties), Artha (wealth, health, means of life), Kama (love, relationships, emotions) and Moksha (liberation, freedom, self-realization).
Grihastha is considered to be the most intense of all four stages, where a man or woman pursues all four goals of life, with greater emphasis on first three - Dharma, Artha and Kama. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
he stage "Grihastha" is preceded by Brahmacharya (student) stage of life, and followed by Vanaprastha (retirement, forest dweller, still an advisor to the next generation) stage.
In ancient texts, Grihastha stage of life is said to extend from the age of about 25 to about 50.
A man or woman entered the Grihastha stage after a Hindu wedding.
They would build a home, raise a family, earn wealth, enjoy worldly life and participate in the society through virtues such as charity. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
The Chandogya Upanishad and Vedānta Sūtras discuss all four stages of life - student, householder, retired/hermit and ascetic.
Some chapters of the Upanishads, for example hymn 4.4.22 of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, specify only three stages of human life – Brahmacharya, Grihastha and Vanaprastha.
They make no mention of gender, class or caste restrictions on these stages of life.
All three stages are recommended as path to Brahman (inner Self, Soul). In contrast, later texts specify four stages of human life. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
Grihastha ashram, declares Gautama Dharmasutra in verses 3.2 and 3.3, is the foundation of all the ashrams, and essential to the existence and continuation of society because the other three ashrams do not produce offspring.
Manusmriti, similarly states in Sections VI.87 through VI.90, that it is the householders who feed all those in other three stages of life, and those who seek spiritual pursuits live on, attain fulfillment because of those who accept and prosper in Grihastha ashram. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
Manusmriti uses the concept of ashram broadly, and in verses III.77 to III.80, declares Grihastha stage as noble, excellent and that just like all beings need air to survive, so do all beings take life from the Grihastha Ashram because of the food they produce and knowledge they apply.
In Sections IV.1 through IV.6, Manusmriti states a Brahmana, after being twice-born and completing his studies with his teacher, should marry and live in his house. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Grihastha Ashram
Manusmriti lists five appropriate sources of income or means for survival for the educated Brahmana - Ṛta (ऋत, lawful gleaning and gathering, proper natural work), Amrta (अमृत, accepting gifts and charity), Mrta (मृत, begging), Pramrta (प्रमृत, agriculture, tillage) and Satyanrta (स配र्ानृत, trade, commerce, money lending).
The Puranas also support the system of Ashramas.
Mahabharata consider the supreme stage of life is Grihasth. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Vanaprastha literally means "giving up worldly life".
It is also a concept in Hindu traditions, representing the third of four ashrama (stages) of human life.
Vanaprastha is part of the Vedic ashram system.
It starts when a person hands over household responsibilities to the next generation, takes an advisory role, and gradually withdraws from the world.
This stage typically follows Grihastha (householder), but a man or woman may choose to skip householder stage, and enter Vanaprastha directly after Brahmacharya (student) stage, as a prelude to San yasa (ascetic) and spiritual pursuits. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Vanaprastha stage is considered as a transition phase from a householder's life with greater emphasis on Artha and Kama (wealth, security, pleasure and sexual pursuits) to one with greater emphasis on Moksha (spiritual liberation).
The term Vanaprastha is a composite word with the roots vana meaning "forest, distant land", and prastha (प्रथ) meaning "going to, abiding in, journey to".
The composite word literally means "retiring to forest". Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Vanaprastha represented the third stage and typically marked with birth of grandchildren, gradual transition of householder responsibilities to the next generation, increasingly hermit-like lifestyle, and greater emphasis on community services and spiritual pursuit.
The Vanaprastha stage ultimately transitioned into Sannyasa, a stage of complete renunciation and dedication to spiritual questions. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Vanaprastha represented the third stage and typically marked with birth of grandchildren, gradual transition of householder responsibilities to the next generation, increasingly hermit-like lifestyle, and greater emphasis on community services and spiritual pursuit.
The Vanaprastha stage ultimately transitioned into Sannyasa, a stage of complete renunciation and dedication to spiritual questions.
According to Vedic ashram system Vanaprastha lasted between the ages of 51 and 75. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Hindu traditions respected freedom and personal choice.
While Grihastha and Vanaprastha stages of life were recommended, they were not a requirement.
Any Brahmacharya may, if he or she wants, skip householder and retirement stage, go straight to Sannyasa stage of life, thereby renouncing worldly and materialistic pursuits and dedicating their lives to spiritual pursuits Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Early Vedic texts make no mention of life in retirement, or Vanaprastha, or Ashrama system.
The earliest mention of a related concept in Rig Veda is of Antigriha (अवꅍतगृह, like a neighbor) in hymn 10.95.4, where the context and content suggests the elders did not go into forest, but continued to live as part of extended family, with outwardly role, in ancient India.
In later Vedic era and over time, Vanaprastha and other new concepts emerged, while older ideas evolved and expanded. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
The concept of Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa, emerged about or after 7th Century BC, when sages such as Yājñavalkya left their homes and roamed around as spiritual recluses and pursued their Pravrajika (homeless) lifestyle.
The Dharmasūtras and Dharmaśāstras, composed about mid 1st millennium BC and later, place increasing emphasis on all four stages of Ashrama system, including Vanaprastha.
The Baudhayana Dharmasūtra, in verses 2.11.9 to 2.11.12, describes the four Ashramas including Vanaprastha as "a fourfold division of Dharma" Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Markandeya Purana suggests that a householder, after he has taken care of his progeny, his parents, his traditions and cleansed his mind is ready to enter the third stage of life, or Vanaprastha.
He must lead a frugal life during this stage, sleeping on floor, eating only fruits and bulbs.
The more he gives up the worldly delights, the closer he gets to the knowledge of his spirit, and more ready he is for the last stage - the Sanyas Ashram, where he renounces everything and focuses entirely on spiritual pursuits. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Vanaprastha Ashram
Vanaprastha appears in many major literary works from ancient India. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Sannyasa Ashram
Sannyasa is the life stage of renunciation within the Hindu philosophy of four age-based life stages known as ashramas.
Sannyasa is traditionally conceptualized for men or women in late years of their life, but young brahmacharis have had the choice to skip the householder and retirement stages, renounce worldly and materialistic pursuits and dedicate their lives to spiritual pursuits.
An individual in Sanyasa is known as a Sannyasi (male) or Sannyasini (female) in Hinduism Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Sannyasa Ashram
These are in many ways parallel to the Sadhu and Sadhvi traditions of Jain monasticism.
The bhikkhus and bhikkhunis of Buddhism.
Sannyasa has historically been a stage of renunciation, ahimsa (non-violence) peaceful and simple life and spiritual pursuit in Indian traditions.
Saṃnyāsa in Sanskrit nyasa means purification, sannyasa means "Purification of Everything“
The term Saṃnyasa makes appearance in the Samhitas, Aranyakas and Brahmanas, the earliest layers of Vedic literature. Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Sannyasa Ashram
The term Sannyasa evolves into a rite of renunciation in ancient Sutra texts, and thereafter became a recognized, well discussed stage of life (Ashrama) by about the 3rd and 4th century CE.
Hinduism has no formal demands nor requirements on the lifestyle or spiritual discipline, method or deity a Sanyasin or Sanyasini must pursue – it is left to the choice and preferences of the individual.
The goal of the Hindu Sannyasin is moksha (liberation). Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India The Sannyasa Ashram
According to Geetaa a permanent Sannyasin who does not hate, does not desire, is without dualities (opposites). Truly, Mahabaho (Arjuna), he is liberated from bondage.
Other behavioral characteristics, in addition to renunciation, during Sannyasa include: ahimsa (non-violence), akrodha (not become angry even if you are abused by others), disarmament (no weapons), chastity, bachelorhood (no marriage), avyati (non- desirous), amati (poverty), self-restraint, truthfulness, sarvabhutahita (kindness to all creatures), asteya (non-stealing), aparigraha (non-acceptance of gifts, non-possessiveness) and shaucha (purity of body speech and mind). Department of Sanskrit, University of Delhi, India
കൂक ಕ କ ਕక क గ ક ক ಕ ક କಕ কਕ क ક గ ಕ ক Further Details: [email protected] Web: http://sanskrit.du.ac.in/faculty/subhash.html