Significance of Householder's life
Householder's life is characterized by managing family responsibilities and domestic duties, often perceived as burdensome and leading to material attachments that can obscure spiritual growth. It represents a stage of life where individuals engage in familial relationships, wealth accumulation, and various rituals, which might distract from spiritual knowledge. While this lifestyle offers potential for enjoyment and fulfilling duties within the framework of dharma, it can also present challenges that may hinder one's spiritual journey, emphasizing the need for balance and detachment.
Synonyms: Domestic life, Family life, Home life, Household life, Everyday life, Personal life, Household affairs
In Dutch: Huishoudelijk leven; In Finnish: Kotitalouden elämää; In Spanish: Vida de jefe de familia
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's life'
Householder's life in Buddhism reflects a focus on worldly pleasures and responsibilities, often seen as unfulfilling and morally compromised. It involves attachment to material comforts, familial duties, and societal roles, which some choose to transcend.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The responsibilities and duties associated with being a family head, particularly in the context of marriage and caregiving.[1] (2) The lifestyle characterized by attachment to material possessions and comforts, portrayed as ultimately flawed and filled with moral compromise.[2] (3) A life focused on worldly pleasures and attachment, which the Bodhisatta found unfulfilling.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The life of a layperson engaged in familial and societal responsibilities, which Soreyya decides to leave behind.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The life filled with the duties and responsibilities of managing a household, which Anuruddha chooses to reject.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Householder's life'
In Hinduism, Householder's life symbolizes a stage marked by domestic responsibilities, material attachments, and family duties, often leading to spiritual distractions, yet can also provide opportunities for fulfillment and personal growth through righteous actions.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Describing the life stages in which a person can remain detached through dedication to spiritual activities.[6] (2) A lifestyle involving familial responsibilities while pursuing dharma through action.[7] (3) A life that involves familial attachments and duties, which can obscure one's true self and spiritual path.[8] (4) A stage of life characterized by familial responsibilities and worldly engagements.[9] (5) A phase of life characterized by attachment to family and material possessions, often filled with passions and actions.[10]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The phase of life that Vedaratha was living, typical of Brahmanas who have family and responsibilities.[11] (2) A stage of life which is highlighted as proper for observing the Vratas and performing rituals in the text.[12] (3) A stage of life characterized by responsibilities, where the householder supports all beings and is considered the most excellent.[13] (4) The stage of life focused on family responsibilities, wealth accumulation, and domestic duties as per Vedic tradition.[14] (5) A lifestyle that entails the responsibilities and duties of a householder, which the son did not desire.[15]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A stage of life that Vyasa Deva encourages Shuka Deva to enter, emphasizing a balanced approach to duty and devotion.[16] (2) A stage in the four Ashramas where an individual marries and fulfills family duties, proposed as potentially beneficial yet seen as a source of bondage.[17] (3) A way of living that involves taking on responsibilities, which Shuka Deva believes leads to anxiety and is a source of pain.[18] (4) A way of living associated with family life, which Vyasa Deva contemplates as a source of happiness and fulfillment.[19] (5) Refers to the life of a person managing family responsibilities, often seen as burdensome.[20]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The lifestyle associated with domestic responsibilities and familial relationships.[21] (2) The life of a married couple engaged in family and social responsibilities, which Parvati wishes to bless with Lord Shiva.[22] (3) The mundane living where one balances material duties with spiritual practices.[23]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The stage of life recognized for its capacity to provide both enjoyment and salvation through the performance of Karmans.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The stage in life where an individual, after completing studies, marries and assumes responsibility for family and social duties.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The responsibilities and duties associated with being a householder.[26] (2) The stage in life where an individual engages in familial and social responsibilities, including marriage and raising a family.[27] (3) A stage of life in which an individual is enjoined to perform various rites and responsibilities before entering into Renunciation, including procreation and sacrifices.[28] (4) The life stage in which a man has the responsibility to fulfill duties such as procreating offspring and performing sacrifices.[29]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) The second ashrama where an individual adopts family life, fulfilling duties and responsibilities typical of a grihi (householder).[30]
Jain concept of 'Householder's life'
In Jainism, Householder's life represents the stage of everyday existence before embracing asceticism, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling worldly responsibilities while preparing for spiritual renunciation.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The normal life lived before one decides to follow ascetic practices and renounce worldly life.[31]