Significance of Household life
Household life, according to various spiritual traditions like Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others, is characterized by the responsibilities and duties associated with family and domestic affairs. Many figures, from theras to sages, have chosen to abandon this lifestyle in pursuit of monasticism and spiritual fulfillment, viewing household life as a distraction or entrapment that hinders spiritual progress. This lifestyle involves managing familial obligations and material attachments, which are often seen as obstacles to achieving higher spiritual goals.
Synonyms: Domestic life, Family life, Home life, Everyday living, Home environment
In Dutch: Huishoudelijk leven
In Finnish: Kotitalouselämä
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Household life'
Household life in Buddhism encompasses the layperson's daily existence filled with domestic responsibilities, desires, and attachments. It contrasts with monastic life, highlighting the distractions and limitations faced in pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A life characterized by responsibilities and attachments, often seen as restrictive compared to monastic life.[1] (2) A life tied to family and domestic matters, which Revata's parents intended for him to remain in.[2] (3) The lifestyle of ordinary family life that Brahmin Magandhi and his wife decide to leave behind after achieving a higher spiritual status.[3] (4) Refers to domestic living and its associated desires.[4] (5) The life associated with family and material attachments, which the Bodhisatta sought to avoid after recognizing its defilements.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The life lived within households, characterized by its own set of difficulties and pain.[6] (2) The daily living environment and responsibilities associated with being part of a family unit.[7] (3) The conventional life of a layperson, from which the young woman was ordered to return.[8]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The life of a layperson, as opposed to that of a bhikkhu or monk.[9] (2) The lifestyle of living as a layperson, which may involve distractions from spiritual practice.[10] (3) The life of a layperson, which both men and women must leave to be accepted into the monastic community.[11]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Reflects Sona's initial commitment to supporting his parents over pursuing a life of family and possessions.[12] (2) Refers to the conventional life that involves domestic responsibilities and family engagements, which the young girl desires to leave behind.[13]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The life associated with domestic responsibilities and the duties involved in managing a household.[14] (2) The state of living within a family structure, as opposed to the monastic or homeless life pursued by monks and nuns.[15]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A way of living that includes domestic responsibilities and attachments, which is contrasted with a monastic lifestyle.[16]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Refers to the life filled with routine tasks and responsibilities, as explained by Anuruddha and Mahanama in the context of agricultural operations that seem never-ending.[17]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A way of living that creates distractions and complexities, represented metaphorically as 'distraction’s dust.'[18]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The lifestyle linked with domestic responsibilities and family life that Anuruddha chose to leave behind to pursue the monastic path.[19] (2) The lifestyle adopted by Sayanadayaka after reaching maturity, which marked a significant phase in his existence.[20] (3) the worldly existence that Rahula left behind when he chose to pursue monastic life.[21] (4) A life tied to family and domestic responsibilities, which Cunda found to be disadvantageous compared to a monastic life.[22] (5) The life associated with living in a family, which Lasunadayaka abandoned upon recognizing its disadvantages.[23]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The lifestyle that is rejected by the sage through the act of renunciation, emphasizing a path towards enlightenment.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Household life'
Household life in Hinduism encompasses family roles, societal duties, and material attachments, illustrating a phase that often distracts from spiritual pursuits. It includes rituals, responsibilities, and the challenge of balancing worldly existence with spiritual aspirations.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The way of living that involves managing a family and home, which is threatened by the potential choices of the son.[25] (2) A lifestyle involving familial and domestic responsibilities, which is to be left behind by those seeking renunciation.[26] (3) A life characterized by domestic responsibilities and activities, often implying a sense of routine and family-oriented living.[27] (4) A way of living that is characterized by domestic responsibilities and duties, which the Lord would eventually leave.[28]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The living situation that Abhaya Caranaravinda Prabhu chose to give up in Calcutta for a more spiritual life.[29] (2) Refers to a lifestyle centered around family and material attachments, often viewed as a source of entanglement in the material world.[30] (3) Living as a householder while engaging in actions dedicated to Bhagavan, thus not becoming bound by those actions.[31] (4) The domestic lifestyle that Shrila Gurudeva resolved to leave behind in favor of a life dedicated to bhajana.[32]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Metaphorically described as a blind well indicating a state of entrapment and distraction.[33] (2) The context in which Shri Krishna engages with the Yadavas, embodying common family activities while conveying deeper spiritual truths.[34]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A lifestyle characterized by familial responsibilities and domestic affairs, which Shaurabhi Muni desired to adopt.[35]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The worldly existence that the brahmana cursed Lord Gauranga to remain outside of, highlighting the spiritual deviation of attachment.[36]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The responsibilities and attachments associated with family life that can complicate spiritual pursuits.[37]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The phase of life in which individuals engage in family responsibilities and societal duties.[38] (2) A lifestyle characterized by attachment to family and material possessions, which distracts from spiritual pursuits.[39]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The domestic life and responsibilities that Himavat considered fulfilled with Parvati's return.[40]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A way of living that involves various duties and responsibilities that a person must take on as a householder.[41]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The stage of life where one marries, establishes a family, and engages in societal and material pursuits.[42] (2) The lifestyle and responsibilities associated with living in a family setting, particularly significant in the context of social expectations.[43]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The daily practices, customs, and rituals that define family life in Hindu culture.[44]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) The phase of Tembesvami's life where he was instructed by Lord Dattatreya to marry and fulfill family duties.[45]
The concept of Household life in local and regional sources
Household life, or Garhastya, signifies the second stage of life, emphasizing the importance of familial responsibilities and societal duties, marking a transition into adulthood and community engagement within various cultural contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The second stage of life (Garhastya) when one takes on familial responsibilities and societal duties.[46]