Practicing Hinduism as a Student

Brahmacharya is the student stage of life. This stage is focused on learning the foundation of lifestyle and self-discipline. The word brahmacharya means both scholarship and celibacy. After his upanayan, or thread ceremony, the Hindu boy became a brahmachari: someone who would devote the rest of this ashram as a celibate scholar. The entire period of this stage of his life would be spent in an atmosphere of discipline, self-control and study. In other words, a brahmachari was not supposed to get distracted by anything that would stray him off path of fulfilling his dharma. At this point, his life was suppposed to be centered only around learning.

 In the old gurukul system, the brahmachari would stay with his guru.

In addition to the scriptures, the guru would initiate the scholar into the Hindu traditions and way of life. The student would learn in various ways.

The ancient mantras, the alphabet, the fundamentals of mathematics and other knowledge that was applicable to his caste.

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Compared to modern day Hinduism, we face some obstacles in trying to apply many of the concepts of the Brahmachaya Ashram. Lack of a regular access to a temple, Less guidance through rituals, Lack of a parental guidance, College Environment, Busy Schedules and Stereotypes. Some ways we discussed overcoming those obstacles include having some sort of physical statue or picture in your dorm or apartment, Set out time specifically for prayer and spiritual growth, even if its only 5 minutes, Remember your dharma, and Learn and grow spiritually so you can defend your faith if questioned.  

Discussion Questions:

Do you think that the ashrams were a social construct before a religious one? Do you think that it was written in the Vedas and then people started following it? 

What are some obstacles to practicing your faith that you have faced as a student in college? What have you done/are trying to do to overcome them?

Is it necessary to follow this timeline of four stages of life? Why or why not?