Not all Hindus will follow all the stages.
Less people go onto the final stage.
Traditionally these stages would have been for high caste males.
Today women can take part more.
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The Ashramas – The Four Stages of Life
These are described in the Law Books of Manu
A human life is divided into 4 sections.
Following your stage of life correctly will give you good karma and help you reach Moksha.
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1. Student (Brahma Chari)
Studying the holy books
Getting an education
Learning about Hinduism
University or training
Taking part in the sacred thread ceremony
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2. Householder (Groats)
Starting work
Marrying and having children
Caring for family including parents
Supporting charities
Performing puja
Supporting society (paying taxes)
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3. Retirement (Vanaprastha)
Passing on responsibilities to your children
Stopping work
Be cared for by your children, looking after grandchildren
Become more focused on your faith, study the holy books, attend the Mandir
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4. Holy Person (Sannyasin)
Give up all worldly possessions
Leave your family
Go on pilgrimage
Meditate
Devote the rest of your life to the goal of Moksha
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The Four Aims Of Life
Purusartha
1. Dharma (practicing right conduct, doing your duty)
2. Arta – Earning money, providing for your family and society
3. Kama – enjoying the pleasures and beauty of life
4. Moksha – release from samsara (rebirth) and becoming one with Brahman
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Dharma
This means duty
All Hindus have particular duties to perform depending on how old they are, if they are male or female, and what caste they come from.
Doing your duty means you get good karma and closer to Moksha.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
These are described in the Law Books of Manu
A human life is divided into 4 sections.
Following your stage of life correctly will give you good karma and help you reach Moksha.
Back
The Ashramas – The Four Stages of Life
Card 3
Front
Studying the holy books
Getting an education
Learning about Hinduism
University or training
Taking part in the sacred thread ceremony
Back
Card 4
Front
Starting work
Marrying and having children
Caring for family including parents
Supporting charities
Performing puja
Supporting society (paying taxes)
Back
Card 5
Front
Passing on responsibilities to your children
Stopping work
Be cared for by your children, looking after grandchildren
Become more focused on your faith, study the holy books, attend the Mandir
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