a following of traditional occupation and observance that are particular to each of the four casses of HIndu society.

the four stages in the life of a brāhmaṇa, they being brahmacarya (studentship), gārhasthya (householdership), vānaprstha (a living a secluded in the forest), and Sanyāsa (a state of being relieved from all worldly connections and passions and being a monk).