Sat-darshana Bhashya (translation)

THE ASHRAMAS AND THE SOCIAL RULE

D. -They speak of the four Ashramas or prescribed vocations in life. What is their significance ?

M. It is a social rule intended for the generality to go by stages. But if one is a pakva, a well developed being, he need not or does not mind this rule. Young or old, man or woman, Brahmin or outcaste, if one is paripakva, ripe, he or she can and does go straight to the goal, without minding the stages.

D. Then, Ashramas have no use for spiritual life.

M. The first three Ashramas are there for the conduct of worldly affairs in life गतये लोककार्याणां and are regulated in such a way as not to clash with the ideal of spiritual knowledge न ज्ञानप्रतिकूलता.

D. What about the fourth, Sannyasa ?

M. -Oh, Sannyasa does not lie in taking to the begging bowl, or having a clean bald-headed shave, or putting on an orangecolored robe. न काषायो न मुण्डनम्.

When the Brahmacharin, the student with his purity exalted by celibacy, becomes an ideal house-holder for the service of others, of the society in a spirit of detachment, the Light naturally flashes forth.

Then for the purpose of Tapas, for concentrated effort, the third Ashrama वानप्रस्थ is intended. When by ardent tapas, the tapasvin becomes crystal-pure and fit, the fourth asrama automatically comes. As I said it is not an external thing that one assumes.