A graphic review of the evolution of the concepts of Vanaprastha and Samnyasa though the Vedas, Upanisads, Dharmasutras, Dharmasastras, Epics, Puranas, the Arthasastra and the heterodox literature. Vanaprastha ( Giving up civic life and adopting a forest life ) and Sanayasa ( Giving up everything for a life devoted to contemplating on the ultimate reality ) are ancient Hindu concepts, which, with, due modification can be useful, even today for a person's religious life, as also , for the wellbeingof the society.