Question

In what ways the system if ashramas different from the life in sangha

Answer 1

The system of Ashramas : Around the time when Jainism and Buddhism were becoming popular, brahmins developed the system of ashramas. Here, the word ashrama does not mean a place where people live and meditate. It is used instead for a stage of life. Four ashramas were recognised: brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprasttw and samnyasa. Brahmin, kshatriya and vaishya men were expected to lead simple lives and study the Vedas during the early years of their life (brahmacharya). Then they had to marry and live as householders (grihastha). They they had to live in the forest and meditate (uanaprastha). Finally, they had to give up everything and become samnyasins. The system of ashramas allowed men to spend some part of their lives in meditation. Generally, women were hot allowed to study the Vedas, and they had to follow the ashramas chosen by their husbands.

Answer 2

Answer:

life of sangha was very strictful. men and women both participate in sangha. people of sangha meditate most of time. they went to city or village to beg for food. they were also known as bhikkhus.

in Ashramas only men were allowed. brahmins, kshatriya, vaishya were allowed, not shudra. ashrams was divide into 4 stage.

1. brahmacharya

2. grihstha

3. vanaprastha

4. sanyasi