1. Four Phases of Life in Hinduism
Vanaprastha
And
Sannyasa

2. Four Goals of Life Complements with the four stages of life
Dharma
Artha
Kama
Moksha
Link with the Samskara system
This is the framework for the lives of an orthodox Hindu

3. Brief Recap First phase of life is the Brahmacharya
Also known as the celibate student
Phase of formal education
Lasts until a man’s mid-twenties
Preparation for future
Second phase of life is the Grihastha
Also known as the married family man
When a man is supposed to get married and support family
Supports the pursuit of wealth (artha), and indulgence (Kama)
Many struggle to move beyond the second phase of life

4. Vanaprastha – The Hermit in Retreat
This phase of life occurs around retirement age
Vana (Forest) and Prastha (residence)
Relinquish possessions and wealth
Moves out to live in a hut in the forest
Modern interpretation
Leaving home

5. The Hermit in Retreat (cont.)
Wife’s role
May follow the husband
Minimal social and conjugal relationship
Transitional phase
Limited to daily tasks such as preparing meals
Ultimate pursuit of Moksha
Transition from materialistic pursuits to spiritual liberation
The man is supposed to be completely cut off from family

6. The Hermit in Retreat (cont.)
Uncommon for the modern Hindu
Most elderly Hindus live in their family homes with their children
A few retire to the hermitage (asrama) of a well-regarded religious teacher
Some relocate to a town with some religious renown
i.e. Banaras – Forest of Bliss: Popular retirement site
Others go on occasional pilgrimages to various religious sites
i.e. Tiruvannamalai, or Pondicheri, or Haridvar or Rishikesh

7. Tiruvannamalai Annamalaiyar temple towers
Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva

8. Sannyasa – The Wandering Recluse
Also known as the wandering ascetic or renouncer phase
Traditionally the last phase of a man or woman’s life
Modern practicing Hindus
Some choose to skip to this stage
Straight away renounce materialistic desires
Dedication to spiritual pursuits, particularly Moksha
This phase is not regularly practiced

9. The Wandering Recluse (cont.)
Traditionally, the Sannyasins leave their family and loved ones
Supposed to perform their death rites
Burn their sacred threads
Abandon the household fire
Wander the world in search for the final and highest goal
Liberation or Moksha
Renouncer must ignore “I” and “MY”
Cut loose from limitations of individuality

10. The Wandering Recluse (cont.)
Attire: Rag robes
Traditionally dyed in a saffron hue to conceal stains
No formal requirements  wide variety of practices for those who end up going into this phase of life
Common themes
Minimal possessions i.e. staff and bowl
Nomadic lifestyle
The reason for living a nomadic lifestyle

11. The Wandering Recluse (cont.)
Important quote from the Bhagavad Gita:
5.3: “One who neither hates nor desires the fruits of his activities is known to be always renounced. Such a person, free from all dualities, easily overcomes material bondage and is completely liberated, O Mighty-armed Arjuna.”
Discusses the ultimate goal of liberation
Other characteristics:
Non-violence, disarmament, purity
Characteristics are not exclusive to this phase of life

12. The Wandering Recluse (cont.)
Ultimate goal of a renouncer is to attain Moksha or liberation
Definition of liberation differs among traditions
i.e. Yoga traditions
Liberation is experiencing the highest Samadhi (Deep awareness in this life)
Being a renouncer is ultimately a means to decrease and end ties of all kind
Seen as people who abandon society and live a reclusive life
ACTUALLY: people who reject the ritual mores of the social world and one’s attachment to materialistic desires
Liberation, freedom, blissful existence

13. The Wandering Recluse (cont.)
Transitioning between the second and third phase is extremely difficult
Giving up all materialistic possessions
Modern Hindus
However, transitioning to the fourth phase from the third phase is not as difficult

14. Conclusion Vanaprastha is mostly a transitional phase of life
Transitioning from materialistic goods to a more religious life
Sannyasa is living the ascetic and nomadic religious life in pursuit of Moksha
Goal of Hinduism is to attain a liberated, free, and blissful existence
Will not be reborn, but instead be absorbed into the universal soul

15. Bibliography
Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World's Religions. 6th ed. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.
Fowler, Jeaneane D. Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices. Brighton: Sussex Academic, Print.
Stevenson, Sinclair. The Rites of the Twice-born. New Delhi: Oriental Reprint; Exclusively Distributed by Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi, Print.
Rodrigues, Hillary. Introducing Hinduism. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, Print.
Morgan, Kenneth W. The Religion of the Hindus. New York: Ronald, Print.
"Bhagavad Gita 5.3." The Bhagavad Gita with Commentaries of Ramanuja Madhva Shankara and Others Bhagavad Gita 53 Comments. N.p., 13 Sept Web. 21 Nov