Studies of Religion (SOR) External Practice Exam

The ashrama that focuses on the renunciate lifestyle is Sannyasa. In Hindu philosophy, Sannyasa is the final stage of life, characterized by renouncing worldly attachments and desires in order to pursue spiritual goals. Individuals in this stage are often described as ascetics who lead a life of meditation, self-discipline, and detachment from material possessions. The primary purpose of Sannyasa is to attain moksha, or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

In Sannyasa, practitioners seek to deepen their spiritual practice and often withdraw from society’s obligations and relationships. This lifestyle is fundamentally about transcending the material world and focusing solely on spiritual enlightenment.

In contrast, the other ashramas represent different stages of life that are more integrated with societal roles and responsibilities. For example, Brahmacharya denotes the student stage, focused on education and celibacy; Grihastha refers to the householder stage, emphasizing family life and societal duties; and Vanaprastha signals a transitional phase where individuals begin to withdraw from their worldly responsibilities but are not yet completely renounced. Thus, Sannyasa is distinctly characterized by its commitment to a renounced, ascetic life aimed at spiritual realization.