Religion and Aging in the Indian Tradition

Book excerpt: The manner of aging is a cultural construct and there is a specifically Indian way of aging. That way is shown in this book through the anlyses of key concepts--aging (jara), stages of life (asarama), time (kala), determinate deeds (karma), desire (kama), change (parinama), and rejuvenative force (vaja). The author offers important transcultural insights into the realities of aging, disease, and inevitable death faced by all. The composite Inidan religious tradition provides patterns for shaping the aging experience into a meaningful system of vital social values, ethical principles, and life goals, This analysis of the Indian approach provides significant clues for understanding aging in other cultures.