Ashrama
(आश्रम)Literal Meaning
Stage of life; place of striving
Etymology & Sanskrit Root
From Sanskrit 'shram' (to strive, exert effort); the four traditional stages of a well-lived life — brahmacharya (student), grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (retirement), and sannyasa (renunciation).
Spiritual Insight & Context
The ashrama system frames spiritual growth as a lifelong progression rather than a single choice — even worldly duties like marriage and career are treated as legitimate steps on the path.