Riddles in Hinduism

RIDDLES IN HINDUISM
the theory of stages in life is quite unknown. The Vedas speak of Brahmachari. But there is nothing to show that
Brahmarcharya was regarded as an inescapable stage in life. There is reference to ' Yatis ' in the Rig-Veda. That
again was not regarded as a stage in life. Indeed unlike the Sannyasi the Yati in the Rig-Vedic times is a hated
institution. In fact there are many hymns in the Rig-Veda where Indra is spoken of as having thrown the Yatis to
the wolves. Why did the Brahmins formulate this theory of the four Ashramas? This is the first riddle about the
Asbram Dharma.
The second riddle relates to the order of sequence among the four Ashramas. Now there is no doubt that there
was a time when it was open to a Brahmachari to enter any of the three Ashrams. He may become a
Grahasthashrami or he may at once become a Sannyasi without becoming a Grahasthashrami. Compare what
the authors of the Dharma Sutras have to say on the point. Vashishta Dharma Sutra says [ S.B.E. Vol. XIV. p.
40. Chapter VII. verses 1. 2, 3.]:
"There are four orders,viz. (that of) the student, (that of ) the householder, (that of) the hermit, and (that of) the
ascetic. "
"A man who has studied one, two, or three Vedas without violating the rules of studentship, may enter any of
these (orders), whichsoever he pleases. " Gautama Dharma Sutra says [ S.B.E. Vol. II. p. 192, Chapter III.
verses 1. 2.] : .
"Some (declare, that) he (who has studied the Veda) may make his choice (which) among the orders (he is
going to enter). "
"(The four orders are, that of) the student (that of) the householder, (that of) the ascetic (Bhikshu), (and that of)
the hermit in the woods (vaikhanasa).
Why did Manu remove the option and make the married state an obligatory state, why did he make the married
state a condition precedent to the stage of hermit and the stage of hermit a condition precedent to the stage of a
Sannyasi?
If the four stages of life have been devised to serve some important end it is difficult to understand why the two
classes Shudras and women were excluded? The Shudras and women can only be householders according to
the scheme of Manu. Why can they not be Brahmachari, Vanaprasthi or Sannyasi? What harm can there be
either to them or to society if the Ashram Dharma was open to them ? There are other riddles about the system of
Ashram Dharma.
First relates to the distinctions which Manu makes among the Brahmacharis.'
Ch. 11-41.. Let students according to the order (of their castes.)., wear (as upper dresses) the skins of black
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