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Buddhism: Marriage and the Family

Men and women in the Buddhist family

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

A husband's and wife's duties in the Sigalovada Sutta read as equal or traditional, Siddhattha leaving his family, the first order of nuns, Ananda and women's enlightenment, the eight special rules, and roles today.

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Key term

What does the Sigalovada Sutta teach about a husband's duties?

Key term

What does the Sigalovada Sutta teach about a wife's duties?

Key term

Why do some Buddhists see the Sigalovada Sutta as teaching equality in marriage?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What does the Sigalovada Sutta teach about a husband's duties?

    Model answer

    A husband should respect his wife, be faithful and never look down on her. A husband should also give her authority in the home and provide for her.

  2. 2

    What does the Sigalovada Sutta teach about a wife's duties?

    Model answer

    A wife should organise the home well, be faithful and welcome both families. A wife should also protect the family's wealth and work skilfully.

  3. 3

    Why do some Buddhists see the Sigalovada Sutta as teaching equality in marriage?

    Model answer

    Duties in the sutta run both ways, so neither partner simply rules the other. The wife's authority in the home was unusual in the Buddha's time.

  4. 4

    Why do others say the Sigalovada Sutta reflects traditional roles?

    Model answer

    The sutta gives the husband the role of provider and the wife the role of homemaker. Some Buddhists today see these roles as belonging to ancient Indian society.

  5. 5

    What does the Buddha's life suggest about men and women in the family?

    Model answer

    Siddhattha left his wife Yasodhara and their baby son to seek enlightenment. Some critics see this as a neglect of his family duties.

  6. 6

    How do Buddhists defend Siddhattha's decision to leave his family?

    Model answer

    Buddhists say Siddhattha left to find a way out of suffering for everyone, including his family. Yasodhara and Rahula later joined the Sangha.

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