Question

Read the following source carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Buddhism in practice 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.

1. Explain the significance of Sutta Pitaka in Buddhism.
2. How did Buddha advise the wealthy householders to be humane and ethical?
3. What was the advice given by Buddha to Sigala on how to behave with his parents and teachers?

Answer 1

1. Buddha's disciples collected his teachings after his passing. Tipitaka was the name given to these compilations. Buddhist teachings are recreated through stories in the Sutta Pitaka.
2. In order to be humane and moral, Buddha counseled the wealthy householders to assign them tasks that matched their talents, provide them with food and pay, assist them when they were ill, share delicacies with them, and grant them leaves when necessary.
3. Buddha gave Sigala advice on how to interact with his parents and instructors, stressing the value of being respectful, appreciative, and loving. He told Sigala to respect and care for his parents by meeting their needs, expressing love in words, deeds, and thoughts, and asking for their counsel. Buddha also suggested treating instructors with deference and respect by catering to their needs, obeying and paying attention to their teachings, and asking them for advice on issues pertaining to moral and spiritual growth. These teachings highlight the values of humility, respect, and thankfulness as well as the importance of familial and educational ties in Buddhist ethics.