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.) |
The four purusarthas (human goals) of grihastha ashram are summarised as follows.
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.) |