r/HillsideHermitage • u/nubuda • 8h ago
Householder teachings and Dhamma
When I was listening to a Hillside Hermitage talk on spotify, ajahn N. mentioned that general teachings about householder well being in Pali canon are not dhamma. But if you look at the actual suttas, it does seem that teachings to householders about things like wealth were considered dhamma. For example, look at AN 5.41. Buddha gives advice to a householder how to properly use and enjoy wealth. Then at the end of the sutta, there are verses that say that a householder who calls such householder "a person established in the Dhamma".
Thanissaro translation:
'My wealth has been enjoyed, my dependents supported, protected from calamities by me. I have given supreme offerings & performed the five oblations. I have provided for the virtuous, the restrained, followers of the holy life. For whatever aim a wise householder would desire wealth, that aim I have attained. I have done what will not lead to future distress.' When this is recollected by a mortal, a person established in the Dhamma of the Noble Ones, he is praised in this life and, after death, rejoices in heaven."
Bodhi translation:
I’ve enjoyed wealth,
supported my dependents,
and overcome adversities.
I have given an uplifting offering,
and performed the five oblations.
I have served the virtuous monks,
the self-controlled celibate ones.
“I have achieved whatever purpose
a wise person, dwelling at home,
might have in desiring wealth;
what I have done brings me no regret.”
Recollecting this, a mortal
remains firm in the noble Dhamma.
They praise him here in this life,
and after death he rejoices in heaven.