Āśrama

Āśramas are the four stages of Vedic life: brahmacarya (celibate student), gṛhastha (householder), vānaprastha (gradual retirement), sannyāsa (formal renunciation). Each has its specific dharmas. The traditional model assumes progression, but the Gītā and other texts recognize that inner sannyāsa (tyāga) is more important than the external form. In Vedānta, what matters is maturity for jñāna, not the specific āśrama.