Asrama is a term that is often used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is a Sanskrit word that has several meanings and associations. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of asrama, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Asrama is a word that has several meanings. It can refer to a place of residence or a dwelling, a stage in life, or a spiritual retreat. In Hinduism, asrama refers to the four stages of life, which are brahmacharya (student life), grihastha (householder life), vanaprastha (retired life), and sannyasa (renunciate life).
Origin
The word asrama comes from the Sanskrit root word ‘sram’, which means ‘to exert oneself’. The word asrama was first used in the Vedas, which are the oldest Hindu scriptures. In the Vedas, asrama referred to a place of spiritual retreat where sages and ascetics could practice meditation and yoga.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, asrama is defined as “a hermitage, retreat, or place of religious meditation”. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, asrama is defined as “a Hindu hermitage or monastery”. In the Collins English Dictionary, asrama is defined as “a Hindu religious retreat or community”.
Associations
Asrama is associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, it refers to the four stages of life, as well as to a place of spiritual retreat. In Buddhism, it refers to the four stages of enlightenment, which are stream-enterer, once-returner, non-returner, and arahant. In Jainism, it refers to the four stages of spiritual development, which are muni, arhat, acharya, and kevali.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of asrama include ashram, hermitage, retreat, monastery, and spiritual community.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of asrama, but some antonyms of the different meanings of asrama include urban life (opposite of brahmacharya), active life (opposite of vanaprastha), and materialism (opposite of sannyasa).
The same root words
Asrama shares the same root word as sramana, which is a term used in Jainism and Buddhism to refer to a wandering ascetic. Sramana also shares the same root word as samadhi, which is a term used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism to refer to a state of meditative concentration.
Example Sentences
- The asrama was a peaceful retreat where the monks could practice meditation and yoga.
- In Hinduism, the asrama system is an important part of spiritual development.
- The sramanas were wandering ascetics who renounced material possessions in search of spiritual enlightenment.
- The samadhi state is achieved through deep concentration and meditation.