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Ashrama

According to the Hindu philosophy, a man's life has distinct "stages" or Ashrama.

There are 4 Ashramas to a man's life as follows:

Brahmacharya Ashrama or the "age of celibacy"
This stage is from birth to 25 years of age. Young men are expected to concentrate on studies, acquire knowledge and build a healthy lifestyle.

Grihastha Asharama or the "family life"
At this stage, spanning the ages of 25 years to 50 years, a young man is expected to marry a suitable young woman and enter wedded life and produce children.

Vanaprastha Asharama or the "preparation for the renunciation"
From the age of 50 onwards, a man is required to renunciate all worldly pleasures, meditate and serve mankind. He is expected to live a life of seclusion during this period.

Sanyasa Asharam or "renunciation"
At this stage man returns from seclusion and just serves mankind. According to the local Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, a man should be at least 18 years of age and the woman, 15, before they can be married. Where the girl has reached 15 years yet the consent of her guardian/parents has to be obtained for the marriage.



Author
Suchitthra Vasu 



References 
Rishi, W. R. (1970). Marriages of Orient. (pp. 1-18). Singapore: Chopmen Enterprises.
(Call no.: R 392.5095 RIS)

The information in this article is valid as at 2002 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

Subject
Ethnic Communities>>Customs and Traditions
Philosophy, Hindu
Philosophy, psychology and religion>>Religion>>Hinduism



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