Hindus recognize four stages of the life journey- student, householder, forest
dweller and renunciate. The first stage of student is a time of youthful study and
reading. We learn the basics and traditions. We form our personality and
character and develop skills. The second stage of householder is a time devoted to
marriage, family, career and social responsibility. A time of providing and caring
for family and “making a living” to survive and give. We give and provide for
those in need. The third stage of forest dweller is the time of retiring from the
world. We withdraw from the obligations of life. It is a time of reflection and
contemplation – of learning to let go and just accept the contentment of being. The
fourth and final stage of renunciation is when all ties are let go and the freedom to
wander and see and discover is found. We represent the truth of the spiritual
journey which is a process of letting go. We lose the ego and live from the soul.
The soul defines and guides us home. The luxury of meditation and true
understanding is allowed. Reconnected to the soul for the journey beyond.