Varnashrama dharma and its significance

Varnashrama dharma or varna-ashrama dharma reflects a broad set of personal duties and social responsibilities.

Note that dharma corresponds to duty or duties. There is a certain dharma or set of duties or assigned tasks corresponding to any given occupation, vocation or stage in life.

Varna reflects a vocation or occupation (caste) which basically is decided according to person�s guna (qualifications and training etc.) and karma (assignment or job undertaken / performed by him). In the Vedic system, there were four main occupations (varna) -- brahmin, kshatriya, vaishya and shudra -- which were not based on heredity or birth, as explained in http://www.geocities.com/lamberdar/_caste.html or �Vedic vocations (Hindu castes) were not related to heredity (birth).�

Similarly, ashrama indicates the stage, state or physical age of a person. There are four categories, classes or stages, and each stage has a specific role in one�s life. For a hundred year lifespan, each one of the four ashrama (stages) lasts for about 25 years.

During the first stage or the early part of life, also known as Brahmcharyashrama, a person is supposed to train for a craft or vocation (brahmin, kshatriya etc.), and as a student or apprentice should remain totally dedicated (brahmchari) to his learning pursuit.

In the second stage or Grihsthashrama (as a householder essentially), he uses his training and skill, acquired basically during the first stage, to earn a living and raise a family. He thus contributes to society as a responsible family man and householder.

During the third or Vanaprsthashrama stage, he slowly shifts his domestic responsibilities to his children, thus reducing his work load. He systematically gives up the role as leader of household and opts symbolically for Vanaprstha, moving away from active social responsibility and involvement.

In the final or fourth stage (Sanyasashrama), a person retires or takes sanyasa (renunciation) from his responsibilities completely, and his activities are geared mainly for the benefit of society and his own spiritual pursuits.

In conclusion, based on above information on varna and ashrama jointly, Varnashrama dharma reflects different sets of duties corresponding to four stages in life and four occupations in society.