Lecture Two: Introduction to the Original and Classical Formulations of the Asramas Flashcards
The asrama system is an attempt to reconcile…
the tensions of worldly prosperity and renunciation
The three top varnas who are considered the twice born are
- Brahmanas
- Ksatriyas
- Vaisyas
Sanskrit for classes
Varnas
Priests and Teachers are typically of what class?
Brahmanas
Warriors are typically of what class?
Ksatriyas
The merchant and agricultural class is typically a part of what class?
Vaisyas
What type of occupation is typical of the sudras?
servants
While a young male from one of the top three varnas completes a preliminary and temporary studentship, he is learning (2)
the Vedas and sanskrit, as well as the duties of each varna
Sanskrit for modes of life
asrama
Is studentship considered an asrama?
No
At what age to boys complete their temporary studentship?
16-18, also when he decides on his asrama
One who lives with guru for his life studying the vedas and serving gurus is of what asrama?
Permanent Studentship
Do permanent students marry?
No, they are also celebate
What does the householder do?
all the things that associate with worldly prosperity
Which two asramas give up their belongings to pursue Moksa?
Forest dweller and renunciate
The rituals that forest dwellers perform are for the sake of
broader prosperity, not his own
Who is the renunciate?
One who abandons his social identity all together and is required to move away to where no one recognizes him.
The classical formulation of the asramas involves what for asramas?
- Student: Youth
- Householder: Adult
- Forest Dweller: Old Age
- Renunciate: Old Age
What makes the forest dweller and the renunciate different between the classical and original formulation of the asramas?
Forest dweller remains in connection with family and can bring his wife along. Considered pre-renunciation, where he will eventually be rid of all his previous life
In the classical formulation, each asrama is seen as
temporary and obligatory
What does the classical formulation of the asrama system solve?
the economic concerns of the original formulation where the forest dweller can see the son of his son be able to take over his duties as a citizen
