Vanaprastha
/ˌvɑː.nəˈprɑː.stə/noun
The third traditional stage of life in Hinduism, involving withdrawal from household affairs and devotion to spiritual practice.
Did you know?Vanaprastha is one of the four Hindu āśramas, traditionally following the householder stage and preceding the life of complete renunciation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“To stand or place oneself firmly; the ancient root behind the second element, prastha.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vana
“Forest, woodland, or wilderness.”
Vedic Sanskrit
Sanskrit
pra-sthā
“To go forth, set out, or depart; literally combining pra-, forward or forth, with sthā, to stand.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
vānaprastha
“A forest-dweller; a person who has gone forth to the forest as a religious stage of life.”
Medieval Sanskrit tradition
Sanskrit
vānaprastha āśrama
“The third āśrama, marked by withdrawal from domestic responsibilities and increased religious contemplation.”
Modern English
English
vanaprastha
“A Hindu life stage involving retreat from ordinary household life for spiritual pursuit.”