Significance of Four stages of life
The Four stages of life in Hindu philosophy encompass the distinct phases individuals are expected to pass through: Brahmacharya (student or celibate life), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (forest dweller), and Sannyasa (wandering ascetic). Each stage has its responsibilities and aims, relating to personal and spiritual growth. These stages not only delineate the journey through life but also highlight the fourfold aims of life: virtue, wealth, desire, and liberation, guiding individuals in their duties and spiritual objectives.
Synonyms: Stages of development, Developmental stages
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Four stages of life'
In Hinduism, the Four Stages of Life (Ashramas) encompass celibate student (Brahmacharya), householder (Grihastha), forest dweller (Vanaprastha), and wandering ascetic (Sannyasa), guiding individuals through distinct phases, duties, and spiritual aims.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The traditional Hindu concept of life divided into four phases: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanaprastha (hermit), and Sannyasa (renunciation).[1] (2) The various phases individuals experience throughout their lives, which dictate different duties and responsibilities.[2] (3) The phases of an individual's journey through life in Hindu philosophy, each with its own duties and spiritual objectives.[3]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The classifications of life in Hindu philosophy, with the householder stage being emphasized for its role in honoring others.[4] (2) The four phases of human existence in Vedic tradition: celibacy (Brahmacharya), household life (Grihastha), retirement (Vanaprastha), and renunciation (Sannyasa).[5]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The four Ashramas which are the various phases of an individual's life according to Vedic tradition.[6]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The fourfold aim of life, encompassing virtue, wealth, desire, and liberation.[7]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The phases through which individuals, particularly brahmins, are expected to pass: celibate student (brahmacarin), householder (grihastha), forest dweller (vanaprastha), and wandering ascetic (samyasin).[8]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Refers to the traditional paths and responsibilities in an individual's life according to Indian philosophy.[9]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The developmental phases that a human being is expected to progress through during their lifespan.[10]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Ashramas, which denote the four phases of an individual's life: Brahmacharya, Garhasthya, Vanaprastha, and Sanyasa.[11]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The life cycle in the Indian context divided into Brahmacarya, Garhasthya, Vanprastha, and Sanyasa, each with specific goals and pursuits.[12]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) The essential phases of life in Hindu philosophy, associated with different responsibilities and duties.[13]
The concept of Four stages of life in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Four stages of life" describes the four distinct phases in ancient Indian philosophy: Brahmacharya (student), Grihastha (family), Vanaprastha (hermit), and Sannyasa (ascetic), emphasizing personal growth and the evolution of human roles throughout life.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Concepts in Hindu philosophy categorizing the phases of human life, namely, balya (childhood), yauvana (youth), grihasta (householder), and vaanaprastha (hermit or forest dweller).[14] (2) The ancient Indian philosophy describing the life journey through four distinct stages: Brahmacharya (student life), Grihastha (family life), Vanaprastha (hermit stage), and Sannyasa (ascetic life), each serving a purpose in personal growth and understanding.[15]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) The classification of human life into four stages, including Brahmacarya, Garhastya, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa, each with specific roles and responsibilities.[16]