Life as Sakti

It’s fascinating how our sense of the world transforms over time.

A newborn child sees their mother as the entire universe. As they grow, their father becomes their safety net.

In those early years, parents willingly set aside everything else to focus completely on their child. The child becomes their whole world.

But the child’s world keeps expanding. More people enter their life—friends, teachers, mentors. Parents, once everything, become just one part of a much larger circle, albeit still among the most important.

This shift stings. Parents notice the diminished attention. Some redirect their focus elsewhere, yet a hidden desire persists—the longing to remain their child’s whole world.

This unspoken expectation can slowly corrode them from within. Others become more demanding, insisting on attention that’s no longer freely given. Both paths lead to strained relationships and suffering—for parents and children alike.

Then the cycle repeats. The child becomes a parent, fully absorbed in their own children who are discovering the world. Gradually, they too begin to prioritize others over their aging parents. Now they understand—from the other side—what their own parents experienced.

Who’s to blame for this suffering that echoes across generations?

Expectations.

We forget a fundamental truth: we are duty-bound on this earth, and our importance in each role is temporary.

We must fulfill our duties wholeheartedly, then gracefully make space for others when the time comes. Our roles evolve. Our world must too.

In Hindu philosophy, the primary duties of a human born are categorized into several overlapping frameworks that guide his conduct through different stages of life and roles in society. These duties aim to achieve a balance between material success, personal desire, and spiritual liberation. 

The Four Goals of Life (Purusharthas) 

Every man is expected to strive for these four objectives to lead a fulfilling life: 

• Dharma (Righteousness): Fulfilling moral and ethical duties. It is the foundation for the other three goals.
• Artha (Prosperity): Earning a livelihood, acquiring wealth, and achieving economic security through ethical means to support oneself and one’s family.
• Kama (Pleasure): Seeking enjoyment, love, and emotional fulfillment within the bounds of dharma.
• Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal of seeking freedom from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) through spiritual realization. 

The Four Stages of Life (Ashrama Dharma)

Traditionally, a man’s life is divided into four stages, each with specific obligations: 

1. Brahmacharya (Student): Ages 0–25. Focuses on education, character building, self-discipline, and practicing celibacy while studying under a guru.
2. Grihastha (Householder): Ages 25–50. This is considered the most crucial stage as it sustains society. Duties include marrying, raising a family, earning a living, caring for elderly parents, and performing social service.
3. Vanaprastha (Hermit): Ages 50–75. A stage of gradual withdrawal from worldly affairs, handing over responsibilities to children, and focusing on spiritual study and meditation.
4. Sannyasa (Renunciant): Age 75+. Complete renunciation of material ties and dedicated pursuit of Moksha. 

Key Responsibilities as a Householder (Grihastha)

The householder has specific social and familial obligations: 

• Protection and Support: A man is duty-bound to protect and provide for his wife, children, and elderly family members.
• Respect for Women: Scriptures emphasize that women must be honored and treated with respect; a family where women are unhappy is said to perish.
• Charity and Hospitality: He must be charitable to the needy and offer hospitality to guests (Atithi Devo Bhava).
• Repayment of Debts (Rinas): As mentioned previously, he must perform rituals and lead a life that honors the divine (Devas), sages (Rishis), and ancestors (Pitrus). 

General Moral Conduct (Samanya Dharma) 

Regardless of stage or social class, all men are expected to practice:

• Satya (Truthfulness): Being truthful in thoughts, words, and actions.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Practicing benevolence and avoiding harm to any living creature.
• Indriya Nigraha (Self-control): Mastering one’s senses and avoiding excessive indulgence in lust, anger, or greed.