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Stages and Goals of life

Stages and Goals of life. Stages of life. Just as the individual’s path to “correct action” is suggested by caste, traditional Hinduism holds that each stage of life also has its proper way of being lived. Every culture recognizes specific life stages through which each individual passes.

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Stages and Goals of life

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  1. Stages and Goals of life

  2. Stages of life Just as the individual’s path to “correct action” is suggested by caste, traditional Hinduism holds that each stage of life also has its proper way of being lived. Every culture recognizes specific life stages through which each individual passes. Student Householder Retiree Renunciation

  3. Student • 1st stage • Ages 8-20 studies religious works • Intense study of the Vedas • Celibacy is a necessary part of the training • Lasts until marriage

  4. Householder • 2nd stage • Career is essential • Marriage occurs at about age 20 • The person fulfills the demands of society by raising children • Marriage is arranged by the parents

  5. Retiree • 3rd stage • Starts with the birth of the first grand child • The individual may retire from ordinary life to spend time once again on religious matters • Man leaves the home to seek a spiritual quest • Often in the forest • Retirees may continue to live with their children and with other relatives in an extended-family setting • They may eat separately from the rest of the family and spend time on religious pursuits with friends.

  6. Renunciate • 4th stage • It is an option not a requirement • Appropriate after retirement • Live entirely free from society by leaving home • The entire world is their new home • A man may leave his wife but need to make sure she is protected • Celibacy is expected and the sign is an orange robe • Wandering ascetic

  7. Sannyasin • Renunciate aka sannyasin is considered to be outside the caste system- free to wander, begging his food along the way, and many temples feed such pilgrims • The sannyasin may remain a constant traveler, making pilgrimage to the sacred sites of India • Or: he may settle in an ashram (religious community) • Or: live in a cave permanently • The purpose of this kind of life is to hasten mystical insight, to free oneself of all attachments, to end rebirth, and to attain moksha.

  8. The goals of life Hinduism also exhibits a respect for more worldly goals These life goals are acceptable and virtuous when practiced correctly. These goals can be achieved simultaneously The goals are: Kama Artha Dharma Moksha

  9. Kama • Kama or pleasure • refers mainly to the pleasures of sensual love

  10. Artha • Economic, material success, and the social power

  11. Dharma • Social and religious duty

  12. Moksha • Complete freedom • The great ocean into which all rivers eventually flow

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