It is said that while Hinduism has been called the oldest religion in the world, many practitioners refer to their religion as ‘Sanatana Dharma’ which is overall abiding principles of dharma and which are not changeable. The 4 Ashramas system is one facet of the Dharma concept in Hinduism. The four ashramas are: Brahmcharya (student), Grihastha (householder), Vanprastha (retired), and Sanyasa (renunciation).

Sanatana Dharma in Hinduism is a term used to denote the “eternal” or absolute set of duties or religiously ordained practices incumbent upon all Hindus, regardless of class, caste, or sect. Such duties are enshrined in the religion in the form of the Vedas. Hinduism, which is derived from the Vedas, is known as Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Duty.” They say it to be the eternal truth and defines that all souls whether humans, birds, or animals are equal and the same, but they are born to different yonis (forms) because of their past karmas in the last several births.

Ashrama in Hinduism is one of four age-based life stages discussed in Indian texts of the ancient and medieval eras. It is also a component of the ethical theories in Indian philosophy, where it is combined with four proper goals of human life for the fulfillment, happiness, and spiritual liberation.