Four Distinct Stages of Life

After the Laundry, the Laundry By Judith Hanson Lasater

In India, the home of yoga, there is a traditional Hindu social model that underscores the change we continuously experience. Called the Ashramas, or Stages of Life, it defines four distinct periods in life, during which people can and should do certain things. The first, brahmacharya (brahmic conduct), is the student stage, during which one learns about oneself and the world; the second, grihastha (householder), is the stage of family and societal obligations. The last two stages focus on renunciation. During the third, vanaprastha (forest dweller), one is freer to begin a contemplative life. And during stage four, samnyasa (renunciation), one goes deeper, surrendering all worldly things and living as a simple mendicant.

I was reading this article today. I was amazed when I got to this section because I was thinking the same thing about my life in the past few days. See how the stages correspond.

As a young child, I was curious and enjoyed reading, I could wonder through the library and marvel at all that these books represented. The student stage for me lasted beyond college. I read a lot when I was working construction in Illinois, mentored under a comtemplative peace activist pastor by living with him and his family while helping to rebuild a lot cabin in Appalachia, and also studied non-violence for two years in a social justice oriented community.

I then got married, more involved in learning for advancement in my job, and then eventually a father. I even became the congregational president of our protestant church.

Four years ago at 50, I started a regular yoga practice. I had the feeling that I was over the hump at my job and headed towards retirement. I didn't have to worry about advance or more training at my job. I have still continued to learn about areas in my profession but I think this blog demonstrates where my interest is. I've always wanted to literally be a "forest dweller" but know I am doing it figuratively.

I recently had a fantasy of getting rid of most of my belongings after retirement. When my daughter would come to visit, I would be doing yoga in an almost bare house. I doubt if that would reconcile with my spouse's vision but, like I said, this vision was just day dreaming.