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== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

==परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

The individual is the real foundation of a sound society. The general moral standard and quality of a human society or nation are directly proportional to the number of individuals who are well educated and bear good character. The aim of "[[Dharma]]" was to mould the character and personality of individuals to produce more number of such individuals.<ref name=":0">Justice M.Rama Jois, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxib2RoaWhhbmdvdXR8Z3g6NzQzOGU4MWMxZTdlMDljMQ Dharma - The Global Ethic] (Chapter 1.5.5)</ref>  

The individual is the real foundation of a sound society. The general moral standard and quality of a human society or nation are directly proportional to the number of individuals who are well educated and bear good character. The aim of "Dharma" was to mould the character and personality of individuals to produce more number of such individuals.<ref name=":0">Justice M.Rama Jois, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxib2RoaWhhbmdvdXR8Z3g6NzQzOGU4MWMxZTdlMDljMQ Dharma - The Global Ethic] (Chapter 1.5.5)</ref>  

Every individual is expected discharge [[four pious obligations]].They are Devaruna (देवऋणम् । towards God), Pitruruna (पितृऋणम् । towards parents), Rishiruna (ऋषिऋणम् । towards teachers) and Manavaruna (मानवऋणम् । towards humanity).<ref>Justice M.Rama Jois, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxib2RoaWhhbmdvdXR8Z3g6NzQzOGU4MWMxZTdlMDljMQ Dharma - The Global Ethic] (Chapter 1.5)</ref> These four pious obligations were required to be discharged by an individual throughout his life time. However, all the obligations could not be fully discharged or be given the same importance at all points of time in the life of an individual. Therefore, the life span of an individual was divided into four parts or stages (Ashramas).<ref name=":0" />

Every individual is expected discharge [[four pious obligations]].They are Devaruna (देवऋणम् । towards God), Pitruruna (पितृऋणम् । towards parents), Rishiruna (ऋषिऋणम् । towards teachers) and Manavaruna (मानवऋणम् । towards humanity).<ref>Justice M.Rama Jois, [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxib2RoaWhhbmdvdXR8Z3g6NzQzOGU4MWMxZTdlMDljMQ Dharma - The Global Ethic] (Chapter 1.5)</ref> These four pious obligations were required to be discharged by an individual throughout his life time. However, all the obligations could not be fully discharged or be given the same importance at all points of time in the life of an individual. Therefore, the life span of an individual was divided into four parts or stages (Ashramas).<ref name=":0" />

=== Individual Purpose in Each Ashrama ===

=== Individual Purpose in Each Ashrama ===

Briefly stated, the period of life of an individual and the purpose pertaining to each of the Ashrama were:

Briefly stated, the period of life of an individual and the purpose pertaining to each of the Ashrama were:

# '''ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः (Brahmacharyashrama) :''' Importance to acquisition of knowledge and securing physical and moral fitness ie., strengthening of body, mind and intellect.

# ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः ([[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyashrama]]) : Importance to acquisition of knowledge and securing physical and moral fitness ie., strengthening of body, mind and intellect.

# '''गृहस्थाश्रमः (Grhasthashrama) :''' Importance to honest and purposeful married life and family life, earning legitimate income and through it to serve the family and the society.

# गृहस्थाश्रमः ([[Grhasthashrama (गृहस्थाश्रमः)|Grhasthashrama]]) : Importance to honest and purposeful married life and family life, earning legitimate income and through it to serve the family and the society.

# '''वानप्रस्थाश्रमः (Vanaprasthashrama) :''' Importance to withdrawing from earning activities and devoting oneself more to the service of society.

# वानप्रस्थाश्रमः ([[Vanaprasthashrama (वानप्रस्थाश्रमः)|Vanaprasthashrama]]) : Importance to withdrawing from earning activities and devoting oneself more to the service of society.

# '''सन्न्यासाश्रमः (Sanyasashrama) :''' Importance to worship of God by renunciation of worldly desires.<ref name=":0" />

# सन्न्यासाश्रमः ([[Sannyasashrama (सन्न्यासाश्रमः)|Sannyasashrama]]) : Importance to worship of God by renunciation of worldly desires.<ref name=":0" />

== विषयविस्तारः ॥ Subject Matter ==

== विषयविस्तारः ॥ Subject Matter ==

# It cannot be denied that the observance of celibacy and devoting of substantial time and energy to the acquisition of knowledge and keeping away from bad habits during the period of studentship, is highly conducive to the acquisition of knowledge and excellence in education and the development of moral character as there is every possibility of an individual going astray resulting in both moral and material abandonment during this important formative period of life. If such things happen, then an individual instead of becoming an asset to human society, might become a liability. Therefore, Brahmacharyashrama was an excellent method evolved for human resources development, so that youth become a real asset of society.

# It cannot be denied that the observance of celibacy and devoting of substantial time and energy to the acquisition of knowledge and keeping away from bad habits during the period of studentship, is highly conducive to the acquisition of knowledge and excellence in education and the development of moral character as there is every possibility of an individual going astray resulting in both moral and material abandonment during this important formative period of life. If such things happen, then an individual instead of becoming an asset to human society, might become a liability. Therefore, Brahmacharyashrama was an excellent method evolved for human resources development, so that youth become a real asset of society.

# Family life is important. During this period, an individual undoubtedly has to carry on an avocation, profession, trade, business etc., to earn money necessary to lead a happy family life. But at the same time, it is the duty of every individual to continue his profession or avocation conforming to ethics so that he will be useful not only to himself but also to society. Further, leading a moral life during this period, and observing sexual morality is also essential to ensure proper guidance, education and inspiration to the children. Unless husband and wife lead a harmonious family life with mutual affection, and do not get separated, they will not be able to give proper education, environment and guidance to their children. Therefore, 'Grhasthashrama' was the period during which an individual had to discharge the pious obligations of 'Pitruruna , and 'Manavaruna' at the same time devoting some time to worshipping God, which helps to lead a proper and happy life. Further, the housewife looks after all their needs such as food, health, and the upkeep of the house providing a proper environment. But both together are responsible to educate their children not only from inception but also after school hours, to watch their conduct and behavior all the time and give proper guidance and ingrain good qualities and to prevent them from becoming victims of bad habits. Discharging such obligations alone can help the children to become good individuals and an asset to the family and the nation.  

# Family life is important. During this period, an individual undoubtedly has to carry on an avocation, profession, trade, business etc., to earn money necessary to lead a happy family life. But at the same time, it is the duty of every individual to continue his profession or avocation conforming to ethics so that he will be useful not only to himself but also to society. Further, leading a moral life during this period, and observing sexual morality is also essential to ensure proper guidance, education and inspiration to the children. Unless husband and wife lead a harmonious family life with mutual affection, and do not get separated, they will not be able to give proper education, environment and guidance to their children. Therefore, 'Grhasthashrama' was the period during which an individual had to discharge the pious obligations of 'Pitruruna , and 'Manavaruna' at the same time devoting some time to worshipping God, which helps to lead a proper and happy life. Further, the housewife looks after all their needs such as food, health, and the upkeep of the house providing a proper environment. But both together are responsible to educate their children not only from inception but also after school hours, to watch their conduct and behavior all the time and give proper guidance and ingrain good qualities and to prevent them from becoming victims of bad habits. Discharging such obligations alone can help the children to become good individuals and an asset to the family and the nation.  

# During the Vanaprasthashrama or life after retiring from earning activity, devoting time and energy to any activity useful for the society is essential. It is by this process that a sufficient number of people become available for service in various service organisations.This was regarded essential even for kings and they were required to renounce power and serve the society. There are innumerable examples of kings renouncing power. The desire should be to see that during his life time youngsters take over charge and manage the affairs of the state successfully. In this regard we have the inspiring example of Chanakya who renounced the Prime Ministership of the most powerful Maghada Empire after securing the service of Amatya Rakshasa for that high office and gave Nation his invaluable, Arthashastra.<ref name=":0" />

# During the Vanaprasthashrama or life after retiring from earning activity, devoting time and energy to any activity useful for the society is essential. It is by this process that a sufficient number of people become available for service in various service organisations.This was regarded essential even for kings and they were required to renounce power and serve the society. There are innumerable examples of kings renouncing power. The desire should be to see that during his life time youngsters take over charge and manage the affairs of the state successfully. In this regard we have the inspiring example of Chanakya who renounced the Prime Ministership of the most powerful Maghada Empire after securing the service of Amatya Rakshasa for that high office and gave Nation his invaluable, [[Arthashastra (अर्थशास्त्रम्)|Arthashastra]].<ref name=":0" />

== Ashrama Dharma Today ==

== Ashrama Dharma Today ==