World Religions by Thomas A. Robinson

Author:Thomas A. Robinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: World Religions;Religions—Textbooks;REL017000;REL054000
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2022-09-21T00:00:00+00:00

The Four Stages of Life

The following are traditionally prescribed for “twice-born” males.

Student (shishya): Originally a period of formal Vedic education with a spiritual mentor (guru). Also known as brahmacharya, since the student was supposed to lead a pure, austere lifestyle and remain celibate.

Householder (grihastha): Married life, during which one is expected to conduct household rituals, contribute to society, and raise children, particularly a male heir.

Forest-dweller (vanaprastha): Option prescribed for grandparents or the elderly. It involves retiring to the forest to live a simple life dedicated to religious study.

Renouncer (samnyasin): Highly esteemed option. It requires conducting one’s own death rituals, abandoning spouse and society, and living entirely off the alms given by others.

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