The Socio - Religious Implications of Vanaprastha and Samnyasa

A graphic review of the evolution of the concepts of Vanaprastha and Samnyasa though the Vedas, Upanishads, Dharmasutras, Dharmasastras, Epics, Puranas, the Arthasastra and the heterodox literature.

Vanaprastha (giving up civic life and adopting a forest life) and Samnayasa (giving up everything for a life devoted to contemplating on the ultimate reality) are ancient Hindu concepts, which, with due modifications, can be useful, even today, for a person\'s religious life, as also, for the well being of the society.