Significance of Domestic life
Domestic life is described in various traditions and texts, indicating a life focused on family responsibilities and worldly concerns. In Jainism, it is viewed as a distraction from spiritual pursuits, often renounced by seekers. The Arthashastra emphasizes virtues like support and avoidance of vices within the household. In the Puranas, it encapsulates duties and relationships tied to family life and societal obligations. Other traditions similarly portray domestic life as a blend of responsibilities and attachments, often perceived as hindering spiritual growth.
Synonyms: Household life, Home life, Family life, Everyday life, Home environment, Private life
In Dutch: Huiselijk leven; In Finnish: Kotimainen elämä; In Spanish: Vida doméstica
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Domestic life'
Domestic life in Buddhism emphasizes the attachment to worldly responsibilities and material possessions, which can hinder enlightenment. The Buddha advocates for renouncing these ties to achieve spiritual growth and liberation from societal expectations.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Life that is tied to worldly responsibilities and practices, which the Buddha emphasizes abandoning for enlightenment.[1]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The life Sumedha renounced, characterized by attachment to material possessions and societal expectations.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Domestic life'
Domestic life in Hinduism encompasses everyday living focused on home and family, emphasizing responsibilities, virtues, personal relationships, and social expectations, particularly in relation to marriage, charitable acts, and spiritual pursuits within the household context.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A stage of life that Kshatriyas should lead post-Brahmacarya, characterized by responsibilities towards family and society.[3] (2) The lifestyle of providing food and support for Brahmanas and others, expressing the importance of sharing resources with dependents.[4]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The daily life and responsibilities of individuals within families or households.[5] (2) Refers to the personal and family-oriented lifestyle experienced by the speaker over a period of fifteen years.[6]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Everyday life focused on home and family, which the Brahmana became attached to, impacting his spiritual pursuits.[7] (2) A lifestyle focused on the duties prescribed for householders, which includes seeking enjoyment and wealth.[8]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The personal and familial activities of Shiva and his consort Uma, highlighting their interactions and divine sports.[9] (2) Describes the household aspect of divine beings, particularly relating to Shiva and Parvati.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Life relating to home and family, often involving various duties and responsibilities.[11]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Domestic life refers to the regular life that a person is allowed to lead after completing their studies and undergoing the samavarttana samskara.[12]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) A societal expectation during certain historical periods where marriage and service to husbands were viewed as compulsory for women.[13]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The state of living in a household, emphasized by virtues such as support for family members, charitable acts towards others, and the avoidance of vices.[14] (2) Life within one's home, which can be affected by the quality of personal relationships.[15]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The traditional lifestyle that involves responsibilities within the home, especially in relation to family and marriage.[16]
From: Dasarupaka (critical study)
(1) The everyday experiences of characters like councilors, Brahmins, or ministers, which should exclude the presence of courtesans in certain contexts.[17]
Jain concept of 'Domestic life'
Domestic life in Jainism is often viewed as a realm of worldly distractions, encompassing family responsibilities that spiritual seekers may renounce, emphasizing the preference for monastic life over familial attachments and concerns.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) A life focused on worldly responsibilities and family attachments, which the spiritual seeker often renounces.[18] (2) A life focused on worldly concerns and family issues, perceived as a distraction from spiritual pursuits.[19]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The lifestyle associated with family and household responsibilities, which the young men rejected in favor of monkhood.[20]
The concept of Domestic life in local and regional sources
Domestic life encompasses family and household responsibilities, reflecting daily interactions and obligations that can be harmonious or strained. It portrays themes of familial duty, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment, often explored in literature and personal experiences.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The private life involving family and home responsibilities experienced by Kabir.[21] (2) The day-to-day existence and responsibilities within a home and family.[22] (3) The everyday life and affairs of a household or family, which Nama is accused of disrupting.[23] (4) Refers to the earthly existence and concerns that Krishna wishes to keep His servants from becoming entangled in.[24] (5) The everyday life and responsibilities within the home, especially relating to the management of family relationships.[25]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The routine existence of a householder, which Vemana experienced but found unfulfilling.[26] (2) The everyday existence and responsibilities of the Poet's wife, depicted as conflicting with the Poet’s artistic pursuits.[27] (3) Devan's unhappy existence at home, marked by marital dissonance and dissatisfaction, impacting his interactions with Sarla and Manu.[28] (4) Themes represented in the works of late Mr. M. S. Puttanna, often reflective of middle-class Mysore.[29] (5) Sri Balasubrahmanya Aiyar's life at home, characterized by nurturing relationships and support for family members.[30]