Grihastha Ashram

 

The Vedic social model is composed of four varnas(occupational divisions based on personal qualities and activities) and four ashrams (progressive life stages of spiritual growth). Within this varnashram system, marriage is known as grihastha ashram.

"Srila Vyasadeva was a householder, yet his residential place is called an asrama. An asrama is a place where spiritual culture is always foremost. It does not matter whether the place belongs to a householder or a mendicant. The whole varnasrama system is so designed that each and every status of life is called an asrama. This means that spiritual culture is the common factor for all."

(Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.2 Bhaktivedanta purport.)

Vedic scriptures delineate four goals that are recommended
to be pursued by all married couples. These are called the
four purusharthas, or human goals of life, and are known as
dharma (religion), artha (economic development), kama
(sense gratification) and moksha (liberation). According to
Vedic wisdom, the secret of happiness in household life is
to balance and regulate the pursuance of these four goals.

"Without discipline, without proper understanding
of the four principles of life, dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, nobody can become happy."
—(Bhaktivedanta lecture, Srimad Bhagavatam,1.16.25,
Hawaii 21/1/1974)

 

 Dharma (religious principles).

 Artha (economic development).

 Kama (sense gratification).

Moksha (liberation).

"The four principles of life allow one to live according to religious principles, to earn money according to one's position in society, to allow the senses to enjoy the sense objects according to regulations, and to progress along the path of liberation from this material attachment." (Srimad Bhagavatam 4.22.34 Bhaktivedanta Purport.)

"Artwork courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
www.krishna.com. Used with permission."