Communication Between Cultures

interpersonal behaviors and responsibilities associated with it. Before we mention

the four stages, we should point out that very few people make it past stages one

and two, as the last two stages make enormous demands on the individual. How-

ever, the specific guidelines for each stage continue to help shape a Hindu’s life. In

somewhat abbreviated form, let us look at these four stages: (1) In thestudentstage,

a young boy, usually between the ages of eight and twelve, studies the Vedas while

serving an apprenticeship with a teacher. (2) Thehouseholderis that phase in a

male’s life when he builds his family and attempts to live a highly spiritual and

ethical life while meeting his obligations as husband and father. (3) Theforest

dwelleris one who has met his obligations tohis family and society and is now

ready to leave all personal attachments and begin intensive study and meditation.

(4) Theascetic, an optional state, is when the Hindu renounces the world and is

completely independent from all people and possessions and unites with Brahman.

In short, he is liberated from ordinary life.^194

For the Hindu, life

and religion are the

same in that every

aspect and ritual of

Hinduism has

meaning and

significance.

© Steve Harrington

Cultural Expressions of Hinduism 143

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