Ashram-Four stages of Vedic life
Indian scriptures state that there are four stages of life, which are known as ashram (Devanagari: आश्रम ISO15919: āśrama).
The root of the word ashram is shram (Devanagari: श्रम ISO15910: śrama), which means effort.
Thus, ashram can be defined as a place where we strive to reach the ultimate goal of life - God realization.
The concept of ashram can be found in Ashramopanishad, the Vaikhanasa Dharmasutra, and then later in Dharmashastra.
The four ashrams are based on one’s physical age and mental energy and nature of the individual.
Assuming, the life span of a human to be 100 years, the ashram's are divided in 4 stages of 25 years each. The scriptures further advise that a balanced, worthwhile pious life aiming at emancipation is achievable through these ashram .
Although this system falls in the category of mayavad yet careful observance of the 4 ashram's may result in peaceful material life and eventually it may also lead towards liberation.
The purpose of this classification was for a well-rounded development of a person so that the human society can function effectively.
Brahmacharya Ashram
The first 25 years of one's life is called brahmcharya ashram (Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य आश्रम ISO15919: brahmacarya āśrama).
In this phase of life the student vows for celibacy. Ignoring the kinship, opulence and position all the disciples lived as equals in the hermitage of the Guru.
The main purpose of staying in this ashram for 25 years, is to strive to attain all the scriptural knowledge without any distractions. Implementation of precepts of the Guru and obeying all of his orders are indispensable to achieve the desired goal.
Grihastha Ashram
The 25 - 50 years of one's life is called grihasta ashram (Devanagari: गृहस्थ आश्रम ISO15919: gr̥hastha āśrama).
This is the period when one gets married and raise children, while leading a pious life according to the ordains of Scriptures. In this ashram worshiping God and following the rules of Manu-Smriti is also advised.
Vanaprastha Ashram
The 50 - 75 years of one's life is called Vanprastha Ashram (Devanagari: वानप्रस्थ आश्रम ISO15919: vānaprastha āśrama).
By this time in one's life the children are grown up and settled. The individual retires from social life and being naturally detached from the material pleasures, lives in a hut in the forest with his wife to strive to accomplish the ultimate aim of life.
They worship God sincerely with the help of the knowledge attained and practice of devotion they ardently performed in brahmcharya ashram (celibacy stage) and also in grihastha ashram (householder stage).
Sanyas Ashram
From 75 years till the end of life is called sanyas ashram (Devanagari: सन्यास आश्रम ISO15919: sanyāsa āśrama).
In this phase of life one renounces the material world and is least concerned about material achievements like dwelling place, desires, hopes, duties and responsibilities. The sole concern of these recluses is Mukti.
They wander freely only with a desire of liberation. That’s why they are also known as parivrajak (परिव्राजक ISO15919: parivrājaka) or traveler.
Thus, careful and detailed study of these four stages of life known as ashrams will reveal that the only aim of life is to create practical understanding of devotion and gradually steer the jeev towards God realization. Even though life style changes as one moves from one ashram to the next but the focal point of all of them is devotion to God.
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