Ashrama Upanishad

Ashrama Upanishad

                We get a detailed description about 16 stages in life which are sub-divisions of the four important ashramas popularly known as Brahmacharyam, Garhasthyam, Vanaprastham and Sanyasam:

1.       Brahmacharya: It has four sub-divisions. viz. Gayathran, Brahmanan, Prajapathyan and Brihan

a)      Gayathran:- His characteristics are the following:

ü  He wares yajnopaveetam

ü  He takes food without salt for three nights.

ü  He engages in reciting Gayatree mantra.

b)      Brahmanan:-

ü  He observes Brahmacharya for 48 years and studies all Vedas.

ü  if this is not possible one can study each veda for 12 years or attain excellent knowledge in Vedas and practice all laws inherent in it.

c)       Prajapathyan has to observe the following rules:

ü  He is a true and law abiding husband who is devoted to his wife only.

ü  He engages in union during the most auspicious time or he can spend 24 or 48 years in a Gurukulam.

d)      Brihan:- A Brihan will never abandon his Guru till his death.

2.       Garhasthyam:- Garhasthya has divisions like Varthaka vrithi, Shaleenavrithi, Yayaavaran and khora Sanyaasikan.

a)      Varthakavrithi:

ü  He engages in agriculture and cattle breeding.

ü  or engages in business.

ü  He practices yajna and prays for his soul.

b)      Shaleenavrithi:

ü  He practices yajna but will not teach others to perform yajnas

ü  He learns but does not teach.

c)       Yayaavaran:

ü  He practices yajna and teaches it.

ü  He learns and he can also teach.

ü  He gives alms and he can also receive alms.

ü  He will engage in such oblations for 100 years for self realization.

d)      Khorasanyaasikan:

ü  He deals in thapas for 100 years and performs various yajnas.

3.       Vanaprastham:- Vanaprastha has branches like Vaikhanasan, Udumban, Baalakhilyan and Fenapan.

a)      Vaikhanasan:

ü  He eats fruits from self grown plants and trees.

ü  He performs panchamahayajna for self realization.

b)      Udumban:

ü  He rises up very early and collects fruits and seeds.

ü  He performs panchamahayajnam.

c)       Bhalyakhilyan: His characteristics are:

ü  long hair, worn out dress and valkalam.

ü  He performs agnipooja for 8 months.

ü  He also performs pancha mahayajna.

d)      Fenapan:

ü  He is in an ecstatic mood.

ü  He eats fruits and sleeps where ever he finds a place.

ü  He performs agni pooja.

ü  He performs pancha maha yajna.

4.       Sanyaasashrama: The four sections of sanyaashasrama are Kuteechakan, Bhahudakan, Hamsan and  Paramahamsan.

a)      Kudeechakan:

ü  He accepts gifts from his own sons and families.

ü  He contemplates on refinement of his soul.

b)      Bahudakan: His characteristics are the following:

ü  Three fold staff

ü  Tuft

ü  vessel

ü  chappals

ü  Yajnopaveetam

ü  He wares ochure dress and travels widely.

c)       Hamsan:

ü  He has a single staff

ü  Wears Yajnopaveedam

ü  Has tuft

ü  He spends one night in village and five nights in cities

d)      Paramahamsan: There is an Upanishad just to describe Paramahamsa  (see paramahamsopanishad).

                    His characteristics will be as follows:

ü  He has no staff

ü  He has a bald head

ü  He wares kaupeenam

ü  He performs mysterious rituals.

ü  He is very courageous

ü  He is calm and cool

ü  He is in a state of aananda (ecstasy)

ü  He stays in deserted houses or temples

ü  He has no concern about dharma or adharma

ü  He tolerates any suffering

ü  He has samabhavana. He views all as equals

ü  He has no caste feelings

ü  He  contemplates on the deliverance on the soul only.

                                     Dr. Karickam