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the natural instincts of the living beings and were given due W hile considering the above four fold division of the life span, importance even by religious doctrines. Indian seers, however, could it should be remembered that the division indicated a mode, not foresee the harm that those instincts can cause, if pursued the rule. Nothing is to be taken as hard and fast about it. It was indiscreetly. They were particularly concerned about the damage conceivable that Brahmacharyashram could terminate earlier in that unrestrained sex can cause to the individuals concerned as some cases and the persons would embark upon Gruhasthäshram well as to the society. Therefore instead of giving it the free play, it before attaining the age of 25. Similarly, it is also possible to visualize was deemed necessary to regulate that instinct in the interests of cases where Brahmacharyashram might be prolonged and the entry social well being.
to the next stage may take place later. With this end in view, the human life span was divided in Moreover, every one was not necessarily required to undergo four stages. The earlier years of life represent the period of growth all those stages one after another. Since celibacy was and is still They are to be devoted to building of physical and mental considered a great virtue and is vital for spiritual pursuit, those capabilities. After the end of infant state, that period should capable enough could adopt and even at present go for renunciation therefore be devoted to study. During that period a person is not straight from the student life. Such people observe celibacy for the physically mature. Though secretion of sex hormones starts in late entire life and are called Bälbrahmachäri. In India and other South teens, sex instinct can remain under control till early twenties. It is Asian countries there are lots of such people even now and they are therefore desirable that one stays away from sexual activity till then. highly respected there. There are also some people, who gain First 25 years of life therefore constituted the stage known as detachment during the family life. Thereupon, they renounce their Brahmacharyashram or the period of celibacy. During that period family life and adopt the monastic code. They are then supposed the students used to stay at schools, which were known as Ashrams to observe celibacy for the rest of their life. or Gurukuls and which were run by the great sages of that time. It would be seen that of those four stages, the period covered The students used to learn there various arts and crafts for equipping by first two stages is most significant. That is the period of growth them for the next stage of life.
and performance. Maximum importance is therefore attached to The next 25 years constituted the second stage of life that was that period in all the civilized societies. Observance of celibacy is known as Gruhasthäshram meaning the stage of family life or that necessary and is an acceptable part of life during the first stage. Let of a householder. At the age of 25 one is usually in high spirit. He us therefore consider the extent to which sexual instinct can be is in prime youth, is fresh from the school and as such has ideals overcome or regulated during the second stage. and ambitions for undertaking great tasks. Being physically and We, human beings, as well as most of other animals, birds mentally well equipped, he experiences a sort of overflowing energy etc.) are endowed with five organs, with which we can experience for performing something extra-ordinary. Most of the people, the senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. We are therefore however, do not get the opportunity to use that energy for termed as Panchendriya. There are, however, less developed beings, manifesting their potentialities. Their energy is therefore diverted which are equipped with four, three, two or only one single sense. to procreation. They get married and lead the family life. Their That single sense happens to be the sense of touch and is possessed time is thus usually devoted to earning, raising the children and by all the living beings. maintaining the social norms. Those, who can afford, also spend
A cursory glance at our life can indicate that most of the events their resources for promoting, aiding and encouraging the social,
simply happen of their own. There are various unforeseen forces at religious, educational and other institutions that can enrich the
work and we do not have control over them. Those forces are society.
termed as Karmas by virtue of which the worldly beings, inclusive The next 10 years constituted the third stage known as of ourselves, have been undergoing the cycle of birth and death Vänprasthäshram or the period of retirement. During that period since the time immemorial. As such, we must have obtained many a person used to stay in a place of retirement, where one can calmly different types of life from time to time ranging from one sensed pursue attainment of spiritual capability. Association of spouse was to five sensed beings. But never did we have a life without the not precluded in that endeavor. They, however, used to avoid sensual
sense of touch. Our contact with that sense has thus been very involvement, because indulgence in such activities is prone to close and continuous. thwart spiritual pursuit. At the end of that period, the people were
The cycle of birth and death that we have been undergoing supposed to lead the rest of their life in total renouncement. That
also indicates that we might have so far led a more instinctive type was the last stage known as Sanyastäshram.
of life and might have stayed attached to various objects of senses from time to time. Since sex is the major object of touch, we have been more influenced by that instinct and have stayed attached to
JAIN DIGEST. Summer 2004/17
Jain Education Interational 2010_03
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