I would like to know about a certain Asrama; please could you advise me?

Question

Namaste
An Indian friend of mine told me that at the age of 60, a married pair is supposed to put away the duties of a householder and turn to God from that point on.
Could you please advise me what does this involve? And, why is it adopted? Is it in preparation for travelling to the next world, so that the journey is a smooth one?
And, is one not supposed to be turned Godwards in all ones Asramas... whether Brahmachari, or householder, or whatever is appropriate for ones age?
Or is it possible to concentrate more fully at age 60 and upward?

With thanks for your answers
DLS

Answer 1

India is home to many religions like Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism, etc.
Buddhism and jainism have evolved from Hinduism.
Hindus believe in Varnasrama dharma, which means that each person would live in different varnas, such as kumara(boy), Brahmachari(bachelor), Samsari(married), Vanaprastha(Sanyasa).
As we grow, from a child, we tend to pray lesser and lesser, owing to our responsibilities in the world, like children and their welfare. Once the children are married off, the responsibilities tend to complete.
Once the responsibilities complete, we retire from our profession also. Now we have enough time to spend thinking about God and washing off our sins.

Please mail me at [e-mail] for a more detailed discussion
Narayan

Answer 2

the latter two asramas (that u didnt mention here) are the vanaprastha and the sanyas. there are total of four asramas. u are Right the hindu scriptures advocate it so that one can elevate himself spiritually and not waste his life in material pursuits. Vanaspratha is advised so that one can practice restrain and detatchment and thus prepare himself for sanyaas. literally vanaprastha means going to the forest to live an austere and detatched life. this is the first step for giving up the bhogas(material pleasures and the temptations attatched to them). After vanaprastha one should take sanyaas ie complete seperation from materialism and complete pursuit of spirituality(so that one can elevate himself spiritually and find God-which is the real aim of human life). however in present times people seldom follow these principles and remain too attatched to the grahastha till the time of thier death. this isnt good for people. since in the present age an individual feels that he cant retire to a foresr(vana) he can practice detachment where he is and devote himself to the attainment of spiritual elevation through the bhakti yoga, gyana yoga or karma yoga.

Answer 3

In Kaliyug it is not possible to follow the Varnashram Dharm as the conditions do not favour.

Waiting for 60 years to start a spiritual oriented life is not correct. You are lucky to see yourself through 60 years. But all can not be so lucky, human life being perishable any moment. And even you are not lucky, since you have wasted all these years in meeting with your sensual needs only.

You should look inwards and strive to achieve what you could not do in all these years.

Answer 4

I am indian and believer. No need to go somewhere to find higher path. In the age of print and electronic media find books and CDs. You may visit personaly for a while. Live at your home and search within urself. I could provide my services if you are interested.

Answer 5

You'd be far better served in consulting a guru at a temple on this one. The answer's likely to be involved and personalized for you.

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