Hinduism The Aims of Life

What are your aims in life? 1. To what extent have you thought about what you want from your life? 2. What things would you like to achieve in your life? What kind of a person would you like to become? Make a list 3. What do you think are the most important things on this list? Why? 4. What principles or ‘values’ are reflected in your list?

Hindu Aims Hindus believe in reincarnation and the concept of Samsara… …a never-ending cycle of birth, death and re- birth. Whilst some of us might like the idea of another go at life, Hindus see Samsaric existence as being full of suffering… …pain, illness, loss and death. For this reason, their ultimate aim is Moksha Escape from Samsara and reunion with Brahman

Hindu Aims However, this does not mean that Hindus do not have values or aims they try to incorporate within their day to day samsaric existence. While the dharma or duties of individuals depend on their caste (varna) and occupation (jati), there are four aims all Hindus try to achieve: 1. Dharma – fulfilling religious and social duties 2. Artha – earning material wealth 3. Kama – enjoying the pleasures and beauty of life 4. Moksha – working towards the final goal of liberation from samsara

DHARMA In Sanskrit, the word DHARMA translates roughly as ‘supporting harmony, order and truth’ Thus the concept of dharma links to the law of karma – cause and effect. Good deeds bring good results for everyone. So dharma refers to all the things that need to be done to ensure that everyone can lead a happy, well-ordered, and harmonious life… …our duties

DHARMA The idea that there are certain actions and moral principles that ensure balance and harmony in life is known as SANATAN DHARMA – eternal or sacred truth Basic principles include… Ahimsa –not harming other living things, non- violence (many Hindus are vegetarian) Satya – truthfulness Asteya – not stealing Sauca – purity of mind and body

VARNASHRAMADHARMA However, Hindus also understand their lives in terms of VARNA ASHRAMA DHARMA: the duties and responsiblities which come from membership of a caste (varna) and the stage of life they are in – their ASHRAMA Based on the natural process of growing up and growing old, Hindus believe there are four distinct ashramas. Set out, along with ideas about caste, in the ancient law books of Manu, each brings different duties which relating the individual to the greater good.

Stages of Life in Our Culture Q. Does our own culture have distinct stages of life? If so, what are they? (in ‘As You Like It’ William Shakespeare wrote that there were ‘seven ages of man’: InfancyChildhood The Lover The Soldier The Justice Old Age Extreme old age

The Ashramas: Brahmacharya - Student In Hinduism, the first stage of life or ashrama is that of the student. Marked by the Sacred Thread ceremony, the student stage is when boys from the three upper castes learn about their religion as well as their caste and social duties. Traditionally this involved leaving the family home to study scriptures with, and serve, a teacher or Guru.

The Ashramas: Brahmacharya - Student They lead a life of simplicity, celibacy and self-discipline. They should avoid gossip, greed, make-up, playing music, singing, dancing and looking at or touching the opposite sex. The emphasis is on learning the rules and rituals of the Hindu tradition.

The Ashramas: Grihastha - Householder The Householder stage begins when the student returns from his studies, marries and takes on the sacred duty of continuing the family. No man or woman’s life is seen as complete without marriage. Most Hindus never get past this stage. Householders should give to charity, care for aged parents, offer hospitality and run a well-ordered household.

The Ashramas: Grihastha - Householder Male householders are expected to earn money honestly and provide for their wife and children, as well as educating and arranging marriages for his children. Traditionally, married women’s duties include raising children in accordance with Hindu tradition, managing household expenses, cooking, cleaning, preparing the home for religious rituals, celebrations and festivals.

The Ashramas: Vanaprastha – ‘Forest Dweller’ This is similar to our culture’s idea of ‘retirement’. Vanaprastha means " forest dweller“ and this stage indicates the beginning of old age. It occurs when children are grown up, married, and there is a grandson to ensure the family will continue.

The Ashramas: Vanaprastha – ‘Forest Dweller’ Householder responsiblitites are handed over to the eldest son. Traditionally, they would lead a simple life away from society in the forest, devoting time to quiet meditation and study of the scriptures. Those in this stage are seen as wise elders in the family and are seen as a source of advice and help in educating children. Not everyone takes on the dharma of this stage but those that do gain great respect and good karma.

The Ashramas: Sannyasin - Renouncer The final ashrama is that of the ‘Sannyasin’. Especially noted in Hinduism, it requires completely giving up all worldly ties and possession, and devotion to the spiritual goal of liberation or Moksha

The Ashramas: Sannyasin - Renouncer Being a Sannyasin usually means becoming a wandering holy men, with no fixed abode, begging for food. They spend all their time on pilgrimage, praying, meditating and studying scripture. Few enter this ashrama but sannyasin are revered by Hindus for their spirituality.

Hindu Aims and Stages Tasks 1. What are the four aims of Hindu life? 4KU 2. In your view, what are the benefits and/or disadvantages of these aims? How useful are they in providing a guide to life? Is there anything you think is missing? 6AE 3. Explain what Hindus understand by ‘dharma’? 6KU 4. In what ways does the idea of ‘dharma’ affect the way Hindus lead their day-to- day lives? 6AE (Hint: Think of both ‘sanatan dharma’ and ‘varna ashrama dharma’)

Hindu Aims and Stages Tasks 5. What is an ‘ashrama’? 2KU 6. Give a brief description of each ‘ashrama’. 8KU 7. Hindus are often said to have a strong sense of duty. a) Are there people in modern Scotland that display this sense of duty? Which ones? 4AE b) Do you think our culture could learn anything from the Hindu idea of dharma or duty? Does dharma benefit or hinder society? 4AE