The four Ashramas are perhaps the most profound insights that Hinduism has to offer in the field of human development. These four stages relate to the matrix for spiritual growth, social responsibilities, and gradual liberation or moksha.

Brahmacharya: The Student Stage

The first stage known as Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) extends usually from 8 to 25 years. During this time, a person lives purely as a student dependent on his guru with regard to education, self-control, and character development.

We find it in the Chandogya Upanishad (8.4.3): "This is a student who has lived according to student-rules of living twelve years, studied all the Vedas, has undergone initiation; such a person may now study the texts himself." 

This phase lays stress on:   

- acquisition of knowledge (vidya)

 - celibacy to conserve energy

 - going through discipline every day

- building one's life around the foundation of dharmic living 

These values instilled during the Brahmacharya stage could be spoken of in the Taittiriya Upanishad (1.11); "Speak the truth. Practice dharma. Do not neglect study." They will support all future stages.

Grihastha: The Householder Stage

Then comes Grihastha (गृहस्थ), where marriage takes place, the family is created, and one makes one's contributions to society. Also, the age of entry into this life stage typically lies between 25 and 50. 

The Manusmriti (3.77-78): "The householder is said to be superior to all of them; for he supports the other three.... All rivers and streams flow to rest into the ocean; so do all stages of human life find their well-being in the householder."

This phase entails the following:    

- Ecstatic realisation of dharma concerning family obligations 

- Delighting in a wealth (artha) so earned  

- Divine enjoyment (kama) in restrained manner  

- Charity and hospitality

 Vanaprastha: The Retirement Stage

  Then the change comes into Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ)-the step of gradually withdrawing from worldly affairs: which normally happens between ages 50-75.

 In Bhagavad Gita (3.35), Lord Krishna recommends: "But better is one's own dharma, though imperfectly performed, than well performed dharma of another." This stage accepts that, after the duty has been done to the society, one should focus on the spiritual practices.

 The Vanaprastha period suggests:

- The gradual decline of luxury.

- Devoting more time to meditation and auspicious scriptures 

- Sharing the gathered wisdom with posterity 

- Preparation for the most final stage 

Sannyasa: The Renunciation Stage 

This finally harboring is Sannyasa (संन्यास)-the turning over of the complete dedication of worldly attachments to attempt to focus exclusively upon spiritual liberation. Generally, this occurs after age 75 or whenever one feels spiritually ready.  

The sage does indeed learn: "For he who has identified the form of the all-diffusive Self by a meditation on its qualities will hear from death" (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.22).

 In the final stage,

- Everything owned is relinquished 

- Needs are minimal 

- All thoughts are directed towards the divine 

- Mocha (freedom) is considered the final and best accomplishment   

Modern Relevance  

 Hindu society of earlier times would define these stages within a chronology. Modern practitioners, however, often interpret such stages to be psychologically construed phasings or behavioural states in themselves. The substance remains true: charge a body of equivalent value upon worldly initiation and spiritual upliftment. 

In any stage of life, if a person performs his duty in that particular position, he pleases the Supreme Lord. (Padma Purana).  

Set aside by Hindu wisdom, how might these stages inform you on your own honest spiritual journey? Perhaps you are learning in a Brahmacharya phase, or maybe you are experiencing the responsibilities of Grihastha. The ashramas remind us that every stage in life holds its purpose, dharma, and unique opportunity in spiritual development.  

Learning more on this subject of ashramas can be done through the Upanishads, specifically with Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya, and through other holy scripts such as Bhagavad Gita or dharmashastra notes in Manusmriti, which attest to these evergreen principles.