THE FOUR PHASES IN THE LIFE OF MAN ACCORDING TO THE VEDIC TRADITION
In the murlis, we hear the expression 'retired phase'. Baba uses the word Vanaprastha phase and we will have different association with that word, if we understand the four phases in the life according to vedic traditions. These phases traditionally apply to a brahmin male.
The first phase starts at the age of 5 years and continues until the age of 24 years and is called brahmacharyashrama. It starts with a ceremonyCalled munj or a thread ceremony, with a Vedic scholar and a priest at which he makes a promise of celibacy, purity and righteousness. According to tradition, the child would live with his family until the age of 5 years and after the munj ceremony, he would accompany the guru to go to the house of the guru (Gurukul) or ashrama. He would then live with the guru acquiring knowledge of philosophy, scriptures, Vedas, practising self discipline, learning to live a life of righteousness. In some specialised traditions, he will learn politics, ethics, warfare and archery, etc.( Raj vidya = study to rule a kingdom).
The second phase starts at the age of 25 years and continues until the age of 49. This is the household life (Grihasthashrama) A special ceremony is performed to take him out of the promise of celibacy and then he enters the life of a family, earning money, owning property, performing family and social duties and duties to society. This phase does not continue indefinitely but finishes by the age of 49. It is at this age that the third phase begins which is the Vanprasthashrama.
The third stage, the Vanprastha stage, is the time of early renunciation. He gradually withdraws from the world and silently prepares for the complete renunciation of his worldly duties and attachments. His material position and duties to the family are transferred to the eldest son. He adopts a guru and when appropriate he moves to live with the guru, sometimes to the forest ( Vana means forest )since the guru will be living in an ashram in the forest. During this phase, the person prepares for his future beyond this life. The tradition, though not popular, still continues in Bharat. If one visits some places in the Himalayas or along the Ganges, one might find renunciates in their 60s or 70s, who were successful professionals, living in Mumbai during their earlier years.
The fourth phase is called Sanyasashrama … begins around the age of 75 years. By now, he has completely withdrawn from the world. He is a complete renunciate, sanyasin, dedicated to spiritual pursuits. He lives with a guru. Pursuit of wisdom, God, Tapasya becomes his life.
Whenever the word “retirement” is used in the murli, Baba uses the word Vanprast and this word has vedic associations in the culture. The word retirement may have a very different association in many present day cultures. Baba also uses the word to incorporate both the third and fourth phases. In Baba’s vision, it is time for all souls, regardless of their age, to go past the second phase of the householder and move in the direction of Vanprastha and prepare for the life beyond.
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