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Glimpses of World Religions
time when the hair turns grey, i.e. to say goodbye to the life full of activities and seek a life of retirement, and living in a forest to remember God Almighty and to lead a life full of peace and retirement. The chief functions and duties supposed to be done in this phase of life are the studies of and contemplation on the best types of religious books, the welcoming of the guests, observing of the religious vows or fasting, to give oblations to the sacrificial fire, the devotions to God and control over the senses and to have sympathy and mercy for all the animals. (4) Sannyasashrama (the life of a Recluse) :
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Sannyasashrama is to live a life of renunciation, shedding of all worldly duties and actions as well as all the worldly relations. Moreover, to meditate on Brahma the ultimate truth, having meals only once and that too whatever is available by begging; the duty of such a Recluse or a Sannyasi is to keep strolling from one village or a town to another village or a town; and the principal duty is thus to do good to others with the help of imparting knowledge. This phase of Sannyasashrama is extremely significant for achieving the much-awaited salvation of the soul or Liberation, by renouncing everything. The Four Purusharthas (or self-efforts)
The scholars of scriptures have also discussed about what can be the purpose of human life and what kind of activities a man should do to grace his entry on this earth, and what type of the values of life must be. They have found out four objectives after examining different types of man's activities; these are called Purusharthas. (1) Religious duty, (2) Wealth, (3) Sex, (4) Salvation (Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha). The most emphasis is laid down on Dharma Purushartha from among these four. If Dharma Purushartha is driven out from human life, nothing good remains, and the life becomes meaningless.
