Vedic way of living

Indians are proud of their ancient culture and heritage. Ancient Indian sages, seers and spiritual leaders evolved a way of life that could fulfill the ultimate purpose and aim of human life.

This is my small attempt to unravel some of the secrets in the Vedic tradition that help us to stay positive and face life’s challenges more confidently and establish joyful living.

The components in Vedas provide valuable tools to control the mind, regulate the thought process, acquire self-knowledge, and attain higher levels of personal fulfillment.

In Hindu traditions, Moksha or eternal libration In the Sanskrit language, "moksha" means freedom it is as a state of eternal bliss and emptiness. is a central concept and included as one of the four aspects and goals of human life; the other three goals are Dharma (virtuous, proper or moral) regulates personal and social life, Artha (material prosperity, income, security or means of life) supports life materially throughout its span and Kama (pleasure, sensuality, emotional fulfillment or desire), within the limits of Dharma, allows fulfillment of all human desires. Together, these four aims of life are called Puruṣārtha in Hinduism.

Vedic thinking expects all the people of all the four age groups to build themselves for a definite purpose in life and move through the 'Ashram' or stage or phase of life. That is Brahmacharya Ashram, Grihastha Ashram, Vanprashtha ashram and Sanyasa ashram.

Brahmacharya/Student: The celibate student time of youth is for learning the foundation of lifestyle. The focus is on healthy, positive training and discipline, learning about spiritual, community, and family life. 

Grihastha/Householder: The householder phase of life is when one lives with spouse and children, fulfilling worldly interests and duties. It is a time of giving, living, learning, and loving in family and community. Religious or spiritual practices are done in the context of worldly life and service to others.

Vanprashtha/Hermitage: This is a time for shifting focus more towards more inner spiritual practices of meditation, contemplation, and prayer. Relationships with grown children and community are more in the role of a matured mentor. Lifestyle is more simplified, and the couple may retreat to a quieter place for deeper practices.

Sanyasa/Renunciate: The elder person now retreats from active involvement in all worldly goals, seeking only spiritual goals in this final phase. No longer having political, professional, or social engagements, there is a further shift towards being an elder teacher of spiritual knowledge.

As per my opinion each individual's life is a personal matter. It is up to us what we do with this most precious of all gifts. How are you spending your life? History and reason indicate that the best approach is to live every moment to the fullest and let the results take care of themselves. Life needs no excuse or explanation. It needs only to be lived joyfully.