Welcome to the Householder Sutta Page. My name is Greg Bester and I am a practicing lay Buddhist. I have recently come into contact with several people on the Internet who are confused by the role of lay people in the Buddhist community. As a service to those people, and to help in my own development, I have decided to create a resource for householders. On this page you will find Suttas and other teachings which are aimed specifically at the laity. If you have any suggestions about various Suttas, please contact me. May all beings be at peace and their minds free of affliction.
Affirming the Truths of the Heart by Thanissaro Bhikkhu. This is as good an explanation of why we need Buddhism today as any I have ever read. It is simple and beautiful.
The Buddhist Way of Life for Householders by Ven. K. Sri Dhammananda. This is a wonderful short essay on the Buddhist way of life for the lay person.
Candala Sutta The Buddha outlines the five qualities of a lay follower.
Dana the Practice of Giving by Bhikkhu Bodhi. The practice of giving is explained in detail. This is an important practice for all lay people. Essential reading.
Ditthi Sutta In this Sutta, Anathapindika the householder confronts foolish wanderers with the Dharma. The Buddha praises him and commends his actions to the monks.
Five Wonderful Precepts This is a terrific explanation of the five precepts by Thich Nhat Hanh. It was transcribed for the Internet by Binh Anson.
Gilana Sutta Citta, the householder is tempted by deities to make a foolish wish during the last hours of his life. He uses the opportunity to make one last point about the Dharma.
Going For Refuge: Taking the Precepts by Bhikkhu Bodhi. What is going for refuge? How is it done? What are its benefits? Bhikku Bodhi has written a thorough examination of these and other questions, on the topic of refuge.
A Happy Married Life: A Buddhist Perspective by Dr. K. Sri Dhammananda. A traditonal look at marriage and family life.
Jivaka Sutta To Jivaka (On Being a Lay Follower) The Buddha suggests ways in which lay followers aid others in their practice.
Kalama Sutta The Buddha gives lay followers advice on how to avoid confusion in religious matters. One of the Buddha's most famous teachings.
Kula Sutta On Families The Buddha's advice about family financial responsibility.
Lay Buddhist Practice by Bhikkhu Khantipalo. This is a very good introduction to Buddhist practice for the lay person. This was written for people interested in Buddhism, but have only had contact with it through books. This is essential reading.
Leading Virtuous Lives as Laymen by Sayagyi U Chit Tin. This is an excellent introduction to the topic of Sila (Virtue) for the lay person.
Maha-Mangala Sutta translated by Narada Thera. The Buddha explains the blessings to be attained with diligent practice.
Mahanama Sutta The Buddha explains how a layperson should develop six qualities "while you are walking, while you are standing, while you are sitting, while you are lying down, while you are busy at work, while you are resting in your home crowded with children."
Mata Sutta Mother Explains the connectedness of all beings.
Meditating At Home by Ven Pannyavaro. This is a good introduction to bringing meditation to your everyday life.
Nakulapita Sutta The householder Nakulapita is taught how to become free of afflictions.
Parabhava Sutta translated by Narada Thera. Outlines the causes of the downfall of people.
Practising the Buddha-Dhamma as Laymen by Sayagyi U Chit Tin. This is a very thorough explanation of the need for laymen to apply the teachings of the Buddha to their everyday lives.
Prosperity and Happiness The Buddhist View by Suvimalee Karunaratna. People often think that Buddhist lay people must live lives of material deprivation, in order to progress spiritually. This essay examines the issues.
Saleyyaka Sutta The Lord Buddha explains the negative and positive types of bodily, verbal and mental conducts and their consequences, to a group of householders.
Sangaha Sutta (Bonds of Fellowship)
Sigalovada Sutta: The Discourse to Sigala -- The Layperson's Code of Discipline translated by Narada Thera
A Simple Guide to Life by Robert Bogoda. This booklet, written by a layman, is designed to give the lay reader practical advice about the practice of Buddhism.
Tapussa Sutta Householders are given instruction on renunciation.
Upajjhatthana Sutta (Five Subjects of Contemplation for Lay People)
Vyagghapajja Sutta (Dighajanu Sutta) In this Sutta, the Buddha outlines how householders can safeguard their wealth.
There is also a transcription available of Jack Kornfield's Eightfold Path for the Householder through the Buddhist Reading Room.
Updated May 24, 1999