Varnashrama Dharma – Dharma for special stages in life; the idea that each stage (e.g. student, householder) and each social grouping has particular duties

(Pronounced var-nash-ram-uh dahr-muh)

Note: We know dharma means a Hindu's path or duties.

Varnashrama dharma is a path to be taken at each special stage in life. Unlike sanatana dharma, which should be applied to all people at all times, varnashrama dharma is for a special stage in life, for example in school, where the path you take is to study.

To remember the meaning of the Hindu term Varnashrama Dharma, use the following mnemonic:

The varnish looked dramatic - even in the dark, Ma (varnashrama dhama) had varnished the school stage.