Apr 24, 2022 - Grade 9 (Sunday AM)
HariOm Parents,
We began with the opening prayers.
In our previous class we learned the four Mahavaakyas, or the Great Declarations, taken from the four Vedas. We repeated the four statements once again and explained its essence.
That is, all the four great sayings express the insight that the individual self, Jiva, which appears as a separate existence is in essence a part, Atman, and manifestation of the whole Brahman, the consciousness.
The lesson for the day:
The Four stages of Life
Our scriptures talk about Four Varnas, Three Gunas and now we are going to look at the four stages of Life!
Let's discuss some questions we may have, like,
Why define it?
Does it mean that it applies to all?
Why not do something different?
How do I divide it if I do not know how long it is?
In an individual's life span, it goes through different stages. We grow, we change, we age etc.
So, it is valid that we divide our lives into four stages.
The Brahmacharya Ashrama the student's life
The Grhastha Ashrama the householder's life
The Vanaprastha Ashrama the life of retirement
The Sanyasa Ashrama the life of total renunciation
Considering a human being's life to be 100 years!, the life span is divided roughly into four stages of twenty-five years each.
We watched a video clip explaining the four asramas.
Each stage defines a role that you must play. This is more like a guideline. You need to think and apply. Each stage is a combination of fulfilling your desires and to evolve.
Since you are all students, we can focus on the Brahmacharya Ashrama more.
Scriptures tell us that the essential duties of the student are to be totally devoted to study and acquiring knowledge, and show devotion and respect for the teacher. Also, not just learn to read and write but understand the moral, ethical, cultural and spiritual aspects of life. Students in this stage are taught the ultimate goal of life and how to prepare for it.
This is a time for gaining as much knowledge as possible including art, music, sports and literature. This is a time to equip yourself so as to lead a noble, respected and a responsible life in the later stages.
The Grhastha Asrama or a householder: This is a very responsible and significant stage in one's life. The householder's life is supreme because all the other three asramas depend upon the householder to take care of and maintain their welfare. In this stage a householder can train himself/herself in the values of love, kindness, sacrifice, service and charity. There are many duties prescribed for a householder. But he should not get stuck in the household but rise above it, that is to rise above ego and personal, selfish interests and prepare for the next stage of life, Vanaprastha.
Vanaprastha Asrama: It literally means "one who lives in the forest", but is interpreted as one living away from family, children, society and withdrawn from social activities. In this stage one slowly withdraws from hectic, worldly activities and devotes more time to spirituality, to contemplate on Brahman, the Absolute Reality. Again this stage prepares one for the next asrama, Sanyasa.
Sanyasa Ashrama: This is where one completely renunciates actions with desires and gives up the fruits of actions. In modern context, it is leading a life of total detachment and completely absorbed in realizing the higher goal, to become one with Brahman.
Questions
What is my stage in Life
What are the qualities I must have in this stage?
The Four Stages of Life - Exercise
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_FwAQNwqCxy84vv9iJlYc1K3Ec-_6upm3CZe3fvk0w4/edit?usp=sharing
Closing Prayers
Other Sunday AM, Grade 9 2021-22 class summaries in https://cmnjparentportal21-22.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%209%20-%20Sunday%20AM
Regards,
Rukmani & Partha