Hindus,
most of all, perhaps, take into account the "ages" of development.
Hinduism, in fact, has long taught that there are four stages of life.
The
first stage, the Hindus teach, is the age of childhood, however long it takes
to acquire the maturity necessary to begin to function beyond the control of
the family.
The
second stage is the age of the student. During this preparatory period,
students concentrate for years on learning the skill or profession that will
enable them to function independently in society in order to give back to the
larger world -- for the sake of its own development -- what they have been
trained to do.
The
third stage of life, the Hindus tell us, is the age of the householder, the
keeper of a family, whose concentration on others develops the next generation
to carry on the values and ideals of this one.
Finally,
Hinduism teaches, a person reaches the age of the sanyasi, the truth-seekers,
who give themselves over in this last stage of life to the pursuit of spiritual
development. These people -- educated, experienced, responsible -- take these
final years to bring perspective to their own lives and wisdom to others. It's the
period of reflection. For some, it is the period of monastic reflection. The
period when, relieved of the burden of social responsibility, they become the
standard-bearers of the soul.
Joan Chittister | "Change in age for new vocations nothing to fear" | National Catholic Reporter
