Ashrams of Yoga

1. Bhramacharya (Student) – The first quarter of spiritual life is spent as celibate student, closely studying with spiritual teacher for yogic training, mental discipline, and learn about family life which creates the foundation.
2. Grahasthya (Householder) – Second phase of spiritual life is spent as a householder, creating and supporting a family and fulfilling one’s worldly interests and duties. During this ashram, one utilises the training, discipline and knowledge gained from brahmacharya to live a complete life and enjoy worldly pleasures.
3. Vanaprastha (Hermit) – In this ashram, one begins to withdraw from the world to establish a state of hermitage. This is a transition stage, moving away from fulfilling needs of the family and society to deepening the practice started as a householder. A quiet living space is sought, a simple yogic lifestyle is practised and being detached to family and community.
4. Sannyasa (Renunciate) – In the last ashram, the yogi retreats from all the involvement in all worldly pursuits and seeks only the attainment of the unintuitive state of self-realisation. It requires a period of practice and abandonment of physical possessions.