Question

This is an excerpt from the Sutta Pitaka and contains the advice given by the Buddha to a wealthy householder named Sigala: In five ways should a master look after his servants and employees … by assigning them work according to their strength, by supplying them with food and wages, by tending them in sickness; by sharing delicacies with them and by granting leave at times … In five ways should the clansmen look after the needs of samanas (those who have renounced the world) and Brahmanas: by affection in act and speech and mind, by keeping open house to them and supplying their worldly needs. There are similar instructions to Sigala about how to behave with his parents, teacher and wife.

Suggest what the instructions regarding parents, teacher and wife may have been.

Answer 1

Based on the canonical traditions of the Sigalovada Sutta found in the Sutta Pitaka, the Buddha’s advice emphasised mutual respect, ethical duties, and maintaining social harmony within the household. The instructions regarding parents, teachers, and wives include the following guidelines:

Relationship Category	Duties of the Householder (Sigala)	Reciprocal Duties of the Other Party
Regarding Parents	Support them financially in old age. Perform family duties on their behalf. Maintain the family lineage. Honour their memory after passing.	Restrain children from committing evil acts. Guide children toward good deeds. Provide appropriate education/skills. Arrange a suitable marriage alliance.
Regarding Teachers	Rise from your seat to greet them. Attend diligently to their comfort. Listen attentively to their lessons. Perform personal chores with respect.	Instruct pupils thoroughly in the arts/sciences. Ensure they understand the lessons. Guide them well in moral behaviour. Protect them from external harms.
Regarding the Wife	Treat her with constant courtesy. Avoid looking down on or demeaning her. Maintain absolute marital fidelity. Give her authority over domestic affairs. Provide her with clothes and ornaments.	Organise domestic work efficiently. Be hospitable to the extended family. Ensure household goods are well preserved. Remain faithful to her husband. Perform all duties skillfully.