The Four Ashrams

The Four Ashrams
ashram, Brahmachari, grihasta, sannyasa, varnaprashta,

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Ashram means “a place of spiritual shelter.” Each stage of
life is not only a natural part of the journey from cradle to
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grave, but a time at which spirituality can be developed. The
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four varnas, accept ashrams as depicted in the table below:
Pronunciation
Guide »
B R A H M A CGARRI H
I A S TAVA N A P R AS
SATN
HNA YA S I
Subject Tag
Index »
Shudra no yes no no
formal formal formal
education retirement sannyasa
Vaishya yes yes no no

formal formal
retirement sannyasa
Kshatriya yes yes yes no

formal
sannyasa
Brahmin yes yes yes yes
Today, only a few Hindus strictly follow all these four

ashrams. Nonetheless, the idea of enjoying the world in a
religious and regulated manner, followed by gradual
retirement remains a powerful ideal.
Each of the four ashrams has its specific duties.The main

ones are listed below.
Brahmachari (Student Life)
The brahmacari-ashram, often away from the
home (somewhat like a boarding school), was
primarily intended for fostering spiritual
values. Memorisation and skill development
were subsidiary to character formation and
self-realisation. Even sons of the royal family
were expected to undergo this austere and
rigorous training.
To be celibate and live a simple life, free from

sense pleasure and material allurement.
To serve the guru (spiritual teacher) and
collect alms for him.
To hear, study and assimilate the Vedas.
To develop all the appropriate qualities: humility, discipline,
simplicity, purity of thought, cleanliness, soft-heartedness,
and so on.
Grihasta (Household Life)

Traditionally some men
remained lifelong
celibates, either
remaining as
brahmacharis or
immediately becoming
sannyasis. Others were
required to marry,
extending their
responsibilities to
include wife, children, relatives, and society in general. This
ashram is the only one permitting sexual gratification.
To make money and to enjoy sensual pleasure according

to ethical principles.
To perform sacrifice and observe religious rituals.
To protect and nourish family members (wife, children,

and elders).
To teach children spiritual values.
To give in charity, and especially to feed holy people, the

poor, and animals.
Vanaprashta (Retired Life)
After the children have
left home and settled, a
man may gradually retire
from family
responsibilities and, with
his wife, begin to focus
his mind on spiritual
matters. Often he goes
on pilgrimage. His wife
may accompany him,
but all sexual relationships are forbidden. Vanaprashta
literally means “forest-dweller.”
To generally devote more time to spiritual matters.
To engage in austerity and penance.
To go on pilgrimage.
Sannyasa (Renounced Life)

This position is
traditionally available
only to men who exhibit
the qualities of a
brahmana. The man
would leave home and
family and was
prohibited from seeing
his wife again.
Considered civilly dead,
he was free to wander, living a life dependent on God alone.
The sannyasis are conspicuous in their saﬀron dress. They
are often called sadhus (holy people) – although today not all
are genuine!
To fully control the mind and senses, and to fix the mind
on the Supreme.
To become detached and fearless, fully dependent on

God as the only protector.
To teach and preach the importance of self-realisation

and God-consciousness, especially to the householders,
who often become distracted from their spiritual duties.
:
Meaning and Purpose
What does the system of four ashrams say about the
purpose of life, according to Hindu thought?
Personal Reflection
Do these stages resemble what happens in other
societies? If so, what are the similarities What are the
diﬀerences?
Are there any values which stand out for us, or with
which we strongly agree or disagree? Why?
How is our evaluation of these practices coloured by our

own world view and our own culture and upbringing?
Related Values and Issues

Family values / renunciation
The purpose of education
Ageism
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ashram, Brahmachari, grihasta, sannyasa, varnaprashta,

Search ! The Four Ashrams

Vaishya yes yes no no

Kshatriya yes yes yes no

Brahmin yes yes yes yes

Today, only a few Hindus strictly follow all these four

Each of the four ashrams has its specific duties.The main

To be celibate and live a simple life, free from

Grihasta (Household Life)

To make money and to enjoy sensual pleasure according

To perform sacrifice and observe religious rituals.

To protect and nourish family members (wife, children,

To teach children spiritual values.

To give in charity, and especially to feed holy people, the

To generally devote more time to spiritual matters.

To engage in austerity and penance.

Sannyasa (Renounced Life)

To become detached and fearless, fully dependent on

To teach and preach the importance of self-realisation

How is our evaluation of these practices coloured by our

Related Values and Issues

The purpose of education

Heart Of Hinduism © Copyright of ISKCON Educational Services

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