In Hindu philosophy, one of the four stages or periods of life that form the ideal life-path in traditional Indian society.
From Sanskrit 'āśrama' or 'ashrama,' meaning a hermitage or stage of life, derived from 'śram' (to tire, labor). The concept is central to Hindu dharma philosophy and entered English through 19th-century orientalist scholarship and academic study of Hinduism.
The four asramas—student, householder, forest-dweller, and renunciate—created one of history's most sophisticated life-course frameworks, predating modern developmental psychology by 2,500 years and offering a spiritual alternative to just 'working until retirement.'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.