The Religions Book

106

WE LEARN,

WE LIVE,

WE WITHDRAW,

WE DETACH

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE

I

mplicit in all religions is the

notion that there are aims in

life, and correct ways of living

that might secure these aims.

Hinduism proposes that life has

several main goals: dharma (right

living); the linked concepts of artha

(wealth) and kama (pleasure); and

moksha (liberation). The pursuit

of dharma—living as duty obliges

—keeps a person on the righteous

path. The search for wealth and

pleasure leads people to learn

valuable lessons, as well as

producing children, supporting the

family, and being in a position to

give alms. The final goal, moksha,

is a liberation from the concerns

and things of the earthly world.

IN CONTEXT

KEY TEXT

The Dharma-shastras

WHEN AND WHERE

5th century BCE, India

BEFORE

From prehistory Many early

belief systems have age-related

rules and rites of passage.

From 1700 BCE The Vedic

religion includes a tradition

of ascetic discipline, but

emphasizes social duty as the

central goal for most people.

6th century BCE As ideas

about reincarnation and

liberation become more

prominent in Hinduism;

more people reject society

and family life and choose

the path of the ascetic.

AFTER

Today The majority of Hindus

remain for most of their lives in

the householder stage.