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10-28-00 |
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Philosophy 312: Oriental Philosophy Hinduism: The Four Stages of Life Abstract: Life is a developmental path upward through four stages (ashramas) for some Hindus. I. The Four Stages of Life--as has been noted before, if there is one abiding perspective on Hinduism, it is that people are different. How should you live? If you are a male in an upper three varna, then it depends upon what stage of life you are living. (Not all persons go through all stages).
2. Student serves the teacher, shows respect, and learns the texts. The rite is a kind of apprenticeship where habits, skill, and practical knowledge are emphasized.
2. Note the relation to the game of life, the path of desire, where success is a means to self-esteem. 3. If physical activity is the only importance in life, all experience after youth is wasted, and what would lie ahead would be unfortunate. However, obviously, there is more to life than dharma.
2. This stage involves coming to terms with who we are. There is time to read, think, and consider the significance of life without the interruption of duty.
2. Most men defer the Forest Dweller Stage to another future life. 3. The forest dweller works out a philosophy of sannyasin--one who neither hates nor loves anything. A sannyasin is completely independent and is beyond dharma (the structure of moral and social obligations) and so in a sense is "beyond good and evil."
b. Once detachment, mental and economic independence, is achieved, the sannyasin can return to the town or city. c. This stage of life is a necessary condition for the attainment of salvation; once achieved that soul will never individually return to this world. |
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Introduction | Siddhartha | Hinduism | Confucianism | Buddhism | Zen | Taoism |
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