Significance of Householder
The keyphrase "Householder" encompasses various interpretations across religions and philosophies. In Buddhism, it typically signifies individuals involved in family life while pursuing spiritual truths, contrasting with monastic ascetics. Jainism refers to householders as those managing familial responsibilities yet contemplating asceticism. Vaishnavism highlights their dual role in maintaining domestic duties and spiritual practices. The term also emphasizes the societal contributions of householders, including hospitality and charitable acts, reflecting their responsibilities within the community. Overall, householders embody a blend of material and spiritual commitments.
Synonyms: House owner, Property owner
In Dutch: Gezinshoofd
In Finnish: Kodinomistaja
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Householder'
In Buddhism, "Householder" describes individuals engaged in family life and societal roles, responsible for household management and material concerns, often contrasting with monastics while holding potential for spiritual growth through virtuous actions.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A term denoting individuals like merchants in society, often in contrast to monks and nuns, and their views on religious practices.[1] (2) A term used to describe individuals in society, often contrasted with monks in the context of the text.[2] (3) An individual who supports the monks or a specific monk, in this case, the venerable Channa.[3] (4) The local residents for whom the monks suggested to undertake work or act as messengers in exchange for almsfood.[4] (5) The person who prepares food and invites monks to dine.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Laypeople or non-monastics who partake in worldly pleasures, contrasting with the lifestyle of the monks.[6] (2) Individuals who maintain familial or community ties and could influence the status of monks based on their associations.[7] (3) A term for Yasa's father, referred to as a merchant, who later seeks his son.[8] (4) Individuals who own homes and the items within them; monks were allowed to sit on items they displayed.[9] (5) Refers to individuals living in societal roles, often being distracted by material concerns compared to renunciates.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A title given to Ugga after his rebirth into a wealthy family in the city of Vesali, indicating his established social status.[11] (2) Refers to the Rich Man in the narrative, fulfilling roles of a provider and initiator of spiritual merit through hospitality and generosity.[12] (3) Refers to Uggata, who was a wealthy lay disciple recognized by the Buddha for his devotion to the Sangha without discrimination.[13] (4) Refers to Surambattha as an individual who, after being reborn, became a wealthy man in Savatthi and a supporter of Buddhist teachings and ascetics.[14] (5) Refers to Nakulapitu's role as a family man, indicating his societal position and responsibilities at the time of his final existence.[15]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A person who has settled down and taken on responsibilities within society, as represented by the Bodhisatta before he renounced material wealth.[16] (2) Someone who lives a family life and manages household responsibilities.[17] (3) A person who lives in the world with a family and responsibilities, often contrasted with ascetics or monks.[18] (4) A term for a person engaged in worldly life who has the potential for spiritual growth through virtuous acts.[19]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A term referring to a person who has a household; more context is provided in Bi-Pc.28.2.[20] (2) Refers to individuals living in a household, as defined in the context of the rules of training.[21] (3) A person who inhabits a house; in this context, a male who interacts with nun Candakali.[22] (4) A person who lives in a house, often referring to someone who has a family and domestic responsibilities.[23]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A term referring to a layperson, often in the context of family life and societal duties in Buddhist tradition.[24] (2) A term used to describe Anathapindika, emphasizing his role in society and responsibilities even as he engages in religious practices.[25]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A term referring to the setthi, Yasa's father, representing a worldly man with familial responsibilities.[26]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Individuals who have not renounced worldly life, believed by Subha to be incapable of performing meritorious deeds.[27]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A person who is responsible for maintaining a household and family, often involved in societal norms and practices.[28] (2) Ordinary but wealthy individuals who prioritize material wealth and worldly happiness over spiritual growth.[29]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A nobleman who practices wealth and charity, representative of laypersons seeking spiritual truth.[30]
Hindu concept of 'Householder'
In Hinduism, a Householder embodies a balance between familial responsibilities and spiritual practices, managing domestic life while fulfilling societal duties, performing rituals, and maintaining a household, distinguishing them from ascetics and renunciants.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An individual, often a male, who has familial responsibilities and engages in rituals to maintain prosperity and divine favor.[31] (2) Individuals belonging to the twice-born castes who have the obligation to constantly remember and study the Veda.[32] (3) A key figure referenced in the text, symbolizing someone who provides support and sustenance to others, akin to air.[33] (4) An individual who is responsible for providing protection and support to others, akin to the ocean for rivers.[34] (5) A person who has renounced quarrel and therefore becomes freed from all sins.[35]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) An individual who is a non-renunciant and maintains domestic responsibilities, as opposed to a hermit.[36] (2) An individual who fulfills family duties and societal obligations in accordance with prescribed roles in the social structure.[37]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) An individual managing a household, with defined food quantity expectations linked to their lifestyle.[38]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) The primary individual responsible for conducting the rituals and overseeing the sacrificial processes.[39]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The order recognized as the source of all other orders because it is the only one that produces offspring.[40]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) The person responsible for the household, who must take food that belongs to him during the offerings.[41]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A person who has a larger permissible meal of thirty-two mouthfuls.[42]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A person living a domestic life, who benefits from connecting with Tulasi through faith.[43] (2) A person who fulfills domestic and social responsibilities and supports the community and universe.[44] (3) Individuals who live a life aligned with the societal structure of castes and stages of life.[45] (4) A person living a domestic life who is advised against eating in a copper vessel.[46] (5) A term referring to ordinary people in their domestic life who fail to recognize the divine presence represented by Maheshvara.[47]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who are responsible for managing a household, particularly in the context of societal duties and moral obligations.[48] (2) Householders refer to those living a life of domesticity while striving for spiritual wisdom and elevation.[49] (3) Individuals within the three worlds, associated with worldly duties and responsibilities, contrasting the more ascetic life states.[50] (4) A person who lives a life with family responsibilities, particularly in the context of Brahmana Shrutadeva.[51] (5) A person who engages in family life and follows domestic duties while balancing spiritual responsibilities.[52]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A person who lives a life tied to family and material concerns, facing challenges in attaining freedom from desires.[53] (2) A term describing a person who has a family and engages in worldly responsibilities, as opposed to a renunciant or ascetic.[54] (3) A person who has entered the second stage of life and follows different rituals, including suspending the holy thread from the neck.[55]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Individuals like Himavat who balance worldly responsibilities and spiritual aspirations.[56] (2) An individual responsible for maintaining household rituals and ensuring the well-being of guests.[57] (3) An individual who maintains a household and is responsible for offering hospitality and generosity, particularly to those in need.[58]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals who own or maintain a house, particularly in a familial context.[59] (2) An individual living in the domestic mode of life, balancing personal and spiritual duties, often in the company of a spouse.[60]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A stage of life in which one is involved in family responsibilities and societal duties.[61]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) An individual who is engaged in family life and fulfills domestic responsibilities.[62]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A person, typically a man, who maintains a household and is responsible for family welfare, particularly in the context of monogamy.[63]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A person who is responsible for maintaining family and community welfare through righteous living and observance of duties.[64]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A person who maintains a household and is responsible for performing domestic rituals and observances.[65]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A person who has a family and is engaged in domestic life, relevant to the role of a Guru.[66]
From: Agni Purana
(1) An individual who leads a family-oriented life, typically responsible for maintaining a household.[67]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) An individual who is engaged in family life, having completed education and married according to tradition.[68]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) People living in a grihastha-ashrama, engaged in family life and material responsibilities but still capable of experiencing bliss.[69] (2) A person who resides in a household, typically engaged in family life and responsibilities.[70] (3) A person living a household life, who is asked whether they can perform devotional service, thus questioning the perceived limitations of such a lifestyle.[71] (4) Refers to a person who leads a domestic life; in this context, it indicates a phase in His life that includes responsibilities and relationships.[72] (5) Refers to the individual who manages a household, typically responsible for its upkeep and security.[73]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Individuals who lead a family life, often responsible for the welfare and maintenance of their household.[74] (2) Individuals or families that maintain domestic life, who benefit from the peace brought by saintly devotees.[75]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to individuals living normal lives, contrasted with those who recite the songs for gaining spiritual benefits.[76]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Individuals who have taken on the responsibilities of family life, including marriage and raising children.[77]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Another status that arises from societal roles, reflecting a lifestyle characterized by familial and material commitments.[78] (2) Individuals who manage a household and are responsible for providing necessary items such as food.[79] (3) An individual responsible for providing shelter and sustenance, particularly in the context of offering food to guests.[80]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A term referring to an individual who maintains a household and is engaged with their external environment.[81]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) An individual in the second stage of life, responsible for family and societal duties, and expected to perform various rituals.[82]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Individuals who are part of a family unit and engage in societal and spiritual responsibilities as outlined in the text.[83]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Householder describes a person who is deeply engaged in the material aspects of life and creation, embodying a more conditioned understanding of Brahman.[84]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Individuals who balance worldly responsibilities and spiritual knowledge, specifically referenced as a significant group in understanding the Five Fires.[85]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Describes a stage of life that follows studentship, which is mentioned in the context of the Jabalas text within the passage.[86]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) Individuals who are recommended to use ashes from the marriage sacrificial fire.[87]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) A concept referring to the responsibilities one has in opening one's home to guests, regardless of their status, as expressed in the verses around hospitality.[88]
Jain concept of 'Householder'
In Jainism, a Householder is a layperson engaged in familial and societal responsibilities while maintaining moral and spiritual practices, providing support to monks and integrating worldly attachments with a pursuit of spiritual growth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Devananda and Rishabhadatta, who consider themselves ordinary people living in the worldly existence.[89] (2) A term describing those who fulfill domestic and social responsibilities while engaging in spiritual practice, highlighting the duality of life.[90] (3) A term denoting someone who has a family and lives a domestic life, contrasting with the ascetic lifestyle the husband is drawn towards.[91] (4) A term used figuratively by Jivayashas indicating that she saw Atimukta as behaving like a settled family man despite his asceticism.[92] (5) A term for Kirtidhara who remained involved in family life while contemplating asceticism.[93]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) An individual who provides offerings to monks or nuns, often in a domestic context.[94] (2) A person who owns or manages a household, often with whom mendicants negotiate for lodging.[95] (3) An individual who maintains a household and is involved in secular life, often providing lodging for monks and nuns.[96] (4) A person in the community, often a layperson, who owns property and has responsibilities towards fellow ascetics and the community.[97] (5) A person who resides in a home and may offer food, alms, or hospitality to monks and nuns, but whose offerings must be scrutinized for purity.[98]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) An individual who lives within society and engages in its responsibilities while still following a moral and spiritual path.[99] (2) Individuals who maintain a comfortable life and lifestyle, often tied to possessiveness and attachment to worldly pleasures.[100] (3) Individuals who are bound by worldly attachments and possessions, contrasting with the lifestyle of a pious monk.[101] (4) Individuals leading secular lives, contrasted with those of the monastic order.[102]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A term referring to a person who provides food or contributes to the offering practice within the context of monks and nuns.[103]
The concept of Householder in local and regional sources
Householder, in this context, signifies a significant life stage for Narsi Mehta, marking adulthood, and also refers to two individuals who provided sustenance to Buddha, becoming his initial disciples.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A term describing a stage in life that Narsi Mehta reached, marking his transition to adulthood.[104]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Refers to individuals who have families and societal responsibilities, often contrasted with beggars in the philosophical discussions of the text.[105]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Two individuals who encountered Buddha and offered him sustenance, later becoming his first disciples.[106]