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Buddhism: Relationships and Families

Buddhist views on the family and the Sigalovada Sutta

  • 3 things to know
  • Component Group 2

Overview

The householder's Vinaya and the six directions, duties between parents and children, the purpose of family, the six paramitas at home, family as a hindrance, the Buddha leaving his wife and son, and elderly parents.

What you need to know

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Key term

What does the Sigalovada Sutta say parents and children owe one another?

Key term

What is the Sigalovada Sutta (Digha Nikaya 31)?

Key term

Which relationships do the six directions stand for in the Sigalovada Sutta?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the Sigalovada Sutta (Digha Nikaya 31)?

    Model answer

    The Sigalovada Sutta is the Buddha's teaching to a young householder, Sigala, who worshipped the six directions. The Buddha reinterpreted the directions as six relationships with mutual duties.

  2. 2

    Which relationships do the six directions stand for in the Sigalovada Sutta?

    Model answer

    East stands for parents, south for teachers, and west for wife and children. North stands for friends, below for workers, and above for religious teachers.

  3. 3

    Why is the Sigalovada Sutta called the householder's Vinaya?

    Model answer

    The sutta sets out a code of conduct for lay people, as the Vinaya does for monks. Buddhists treat it as a guide to ethical family life.

  4. 4

    What duties do parents owe their children according to the Sigalovada Sutta?

    Model answer

    Parents should keep children from wrongdoing and encourage them to do good. Parents should train them for a trade, help them marry suitably and pass on their inheritance.

  5. 5

    What duties do children owe their parents according to the Sigalovada Sutta?

    Model answer

    Children should support their parents and carry out family duties. Children should keep up family traditions and make offerings in their parents' memory after death.

  6. 6

    What is the purpose of the family for Buddhists?

    Model answer

    The family is where children first learn the precepts, generosity and kindness. A loving family provides stability for spiritual practice.

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