ASRAMA DHARMA UNDER MODERN CONDITIONS

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

ASRAMA DHARMA UNDER MODERN CONDITIONS
At the present moment, the Asramas cannot be exactly lived according to the details of the
ancient rules, as the conditions have changed very much; but, they may be revived in their spirit, to
the great improvement of modern life. In these stages, no one should do the duty of another. The
student or Brahmachari should not do the duties of a householder, a recluse or a Sannyasin. The
householder must not perform the duties of a Brahmacharin, Vanaprastha or a Sannyasin. A
Sannyasin should not seek again the joys of the householder.
Peace and order will prevail in society, only if and when all people do their respective duties
efficiently. The abolition of Varnas and Asramas will cut at the very root of social duties. How can
the nation hope to live when Varnasrama Dharma is not rigidly practised?
The students of schools, and colleges should lead a life of purity and simple living. The
householder should lead the life of an ideal Grihastha. He should practise self-restraint, mercy,
tolerance, non-injury, truthfulness and moderation in everything. Those who find it difficult to lead
the life of the third and the fourth Asramas should, remaining in either of the other two Asramas,
gradually withdraw themselves from worldly life and practise selfless service, study and
meditation.