Developments = Pujya Gurudev

Social, Cultural and Economic Developments –II

=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya

                         Vedic Solutions to Modern Problems Social system The varna system devised according to aptitude and abilities of the individuals and the collective participation of people of all varnas in administrative and moral control in the Vedic society are ideal models of a sensibly democratic and civilized state. A real democracy and civilization can be achieved in human societies only if the citizens are alert, progressive, duty-bound and sensitive to the integrity and respect of self and of others. The collective existence and contribution of people of each varña to the Vedic social system can be likened to the waves of an ocean in its grandeur.

             Ashrama System: Ideal Means of Checking Unemployment! Another building block of the edifice of the prospering Vedic society was the Ashrama system: average span of 100 years of human life those days was divided into four phases, namely, Brahmcharya, Grahastha, Vanprastha and Sanyasa. The respective age groups of these four Ashramas were broadly classified as - childhood to 25 years of age, 25-50 years, 50-75 and 75 . The first phase was spent in the Gurukuls under the adept guidance of sagacious masters for cultivation and growth of moral values, training in ascetic disciplines, acquisition of knowledge, mental and intellectual development, constructive orientation and chiseled refinement and augmentation of talents, etc. The overall development of personality shaped in this phase used to produce noble citizens who would contribute to the flourishing growth of society in their Grahastha Ashrama. Depending upon his/her spiritual inclinations and purity of intrinsic tendencies, one was also allowed to remain life-long "Brahmchari" and pursue the path of sadhana and spiritual enlightenment.

                The Grahastha Ashrama pertained to one’s married life and worldly progress and enjoyment along with discharge of familial and social responsibilities. Both husband and wife together used to contribute to the happy nurturing of the family, and cultural and economic growth of the society. Resources for all round growth of the society and upkeep of the elderly and disabled persons were mobilized by the grahasthas.

                   The charities and donations of honestly earned wealth by grahasthas used to provide for sustenance of people in the other phases of life as well. Having fulfilled the duties towards the family, the grahasthas used to devote full time and efforts for the altruistic welfare of the entire human society in the Vanprastha Ashrama after attaining the age of 50 years. For this they would even move around from one place to the other and offer voluntary services of their life experiences. The Sanyasa Ashrama was spent in devotion and in attaining deeper knowledge of meaning and purpose of life.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma