Brahmacharya
student
what must the Brahmacharya be?
celibate
what do the Brahmacharya learn?
foundation of lifestyle and recieve formal education, learn about spiritual, community and family life
what do Brahmacharya focus on?
healthy, positive training and discipline
what do Brahmacharya prepare for?
future profession
Grihastha
householder
who do the Grihastha live with?
spouse and children
what do the Grihastha want to fulfill?
worldly interests and duties
what kind of practices do Grihastha do?
spiritual and religious
who do Grihasthas give special service to?
samnyasins
what are Grihastha responsible for?
earning a living and supporting family
artha
pursuits of wealth
kama
indulgence in sexual pleasures
Vanaprastha
forest-dweller
what do Vanaprastha focus on?
inner spiritual practices of meditation, contemplation and prayer
what kind of relationship do Vanaprastha have with children and community?
matured mentor
what to Vanaprastha renounce?
all physical, material and sexual pleasures
Sanyasa
renouncer
what do Sanyasa renounce?
all worldly goals seeking only spiritual goals
what are Sanyasa totally devoted to?
God
what is the sole concern of Sanyasa?
to attain moksha and release from samsara
