Hindu Dharma advises system of Varnashram (Varna +Ashram). Here Varna means Path of spiritual practice and not caste. There are four ashrams viz.,
1. Brahmacharyashram,
2. Gruhasthashram,
3. Vanaprasthashram and
4. Sanyasashram.
Their respective meanings are :
1. Observing celibacy,
2. Leading family life,
3. Renouncing Gruhasthashram and staying in forest with attitude of an Ascetic and
4. Leading life of a renunciant.
Names of all the four ashrams are compound words of the word ashram. The word ashram is suffixed in each of the four cases to serve as a reminder to lead life similar to the residents of an Ashram in all the four stages of life.
– Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale