Buddha's teachings on husband and wife duties

Buddha's instructions on the roles of the husband and wife are a reflection of his more general instructions on the value of harmonious relationships in society. Marriage is viewed in Buddhism as a sacred and significant bond between two people who make a commitment to helping and loving one another.

The Buddha understood that, despite the fact that each spouse in a marriage has specific obligations, both are crucial to preserving a stable union. The Buddhist teachings on husband and wife obligations include the following:

Mutual Respect:

The importance of mutual respect between couples is one of the most crucial Buddhist marital precepts. To prevent hurting or offending their spouse, each partner should treat the other with love, consideration, and understanding.

Support each other:

In a marriage, it is expected that both partners will support one another emotionally, physically, and spiritually. This involves delegating tasks around the house, making decisions together, and supporting one another during difficult times.

Communicating Effectively:

In any relationship, good communication is essential, and the Buddha believed that this was particularly true in marriage. With respect and compassion, both partners should make an effort to express their needs, wants, and concerns to one another in an open and honest manner.

Honesty:

Integrity is the cornerstone of a happy marriage. The Buddha advocated for constant truthfulness between partners, stating that lying or concealing information might breed hatred and mistrust.

Avoiding Anger and Conflict:

The Buddha emphasised how crucial it is to keep your cool and avoid arguments in your marriage. Even in the midst of hard or stressful circumstances, both partners should make an effort to regulate their emotions and keep a calm and caring demeanour.

Loyalty and Fidelity:

In Buddhism, fidelity and loyalty in a marriage are highly regarded. Couples should be committed to one another and refrain from any actions that can erode their trust and intimacy.

Self-reflection:

The Buddha advocated for each couple to examine their own conduct and deeds, accepting accountability for any errors or faults. They can then work to strengthen both their relationship with their partner and themselves by doing this.

In conclusion, the core principles of Buddha's teachings on the roles of husband and wife include respect for one another, efficient communication, honesty, loyalty, and self-reflection. Couples can build a solid and harmonious marriage based on love, trust, and understanding by putting these lessons into practice.

According to the Sigalovada Sutta, the 5 duties to be fulfilled by the wife to the husband

The Buddha spoke to young householder  Sigala in the Sigalovada Sutta about the correct behaviour and obligations of a layman. The Buddha describes in the Sutra the duties that men and spouses have to one another as well as their duties to their families and society.

According to the Sigalovada Sutta, the five duties to be fulfilled by the wife towards her husband are as follows:

Safeguarding:

The wife's primary responsibility to her husband is to protect him. This includes safeguarding his assets, honour, and reputation as well as defending him from physical assault.

Fidelity:

Being devoted to her husband is the wife's second obligation. According to the Sutra, a wife should not commit sexual impropriety and should always be devoted to her husband.

Skillful management of the household:

Carefully running the home is the wife's third obligation to her husband. This entails maintaining the house, cooking the food, and making sure everything runs properly at home.

Diligence:

Being diligent is the wife's fourth obligation to her husband. According to the Sutra, a wife should not be slack in her responsibilities and should instead be dedicated and hardworking.

Kindness:

Being kind to her husband is the fifth obligation a wife has to her husband. The Sutra emphasises the value of being kind and affectionate to one's relationship and advises wives to treat their husbands with gentleness, love, and respect.

The Sigalovada Sutta also emphasises the obligations of husbands towards their wives, thus it is vital to keep in mind that these obligations are not meant to be one-sided. The Buddha advocated that in order to sustain a peaceful and satisfying relationship, both parties should make an effort to fulfil their obligations to one another with love, respect, and mutual support.

According to the Sigalovada Sutta, the 5 duties to be fulfilled by the husband  to the wife

Yes, according to the Sigalovada Sutta, the Buddha outlines the responsibilities of both husbands and wives towards each other, as well as their responsibilities towards their families and society. Here are the five duties that the husband is expected to fulfil towards his wife:

Faithfulness:

Being true to his wife is the husband's first obligation. According to the Sutra, a husband should not violate his wife sexually and should always be devoted to her.

Provision:

To provide for his wife is the husband's second responsibility to her. This involves giving her the things she needs for a comfortable life, such as food, clothing and shelter.

Protection:

The husband's third responsibility to his wife is to look out for her. This entails defending her from bodily harm as well as preserving her possessions, honour and reputation.

Respect:

The husband's fourth responsibility to his wife is to treat her with respect. According to the Sutra, a husband should treat his wife with respect and should never disparage or insult her.

Kindness:

The husband's kindness to his wife is his fifth obligation to her. The Sutra emphasises the value of being kind and affectionate to one's relationship and advises husbands to treat their wives with gentleness, love, and respect.