>[!abstract] >*Varnāśrama Dharma* is the classical Hindu social and ethical framework that integrates two systems of order: *[[Varna|varna]]* (the four social classes) and *[[Āśrama|āśrama]]* (the four stages of life). The *varna* system divides society into functional groups with their own duties (*dharma*), while the *āśrama* system maps the ideal spiritual progression of an individual. Together, *varnāśrama dharma* outlines a vision of social harmony and spiritual evolution grounded in duty, discipline, and interdependence. While foundational in classical Hindu thought, it is also subject to modern critique for its historical association with rigid caste hierarchies. >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): [[Hinduism]] >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): [[Āśrama]], [[Varna]]