Which of the following Upanishads contains the explicit formulation of the four stages of human life known as the Ashrama system, which governs the ideal life course of an individual from studentship to renunciation?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Jabala Upanishad provides the earliest explicit textual reference detailing the four ashramas comprising Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa. The Chandogya Upanishad focuses on cosmological doctrines, the doctrine of rebirth, and the famous dialogue regarding ultimate reality. The Mundaka Upanishad contains the foundational national motto Satyameva Jayate extracted from its ritual verses. The Kena Upanishad explores the nature of Brahman through philosophical inquiries directed at the senses.