Section outline
-
Lesson 3.6.6 Siṅgālasuttaṃ, Part Two – The Buddha’s Advice to Laypeople
The second part of the Siṅgālasutta provides guidance on how one should “honor” the six “directions” in accordance to the wholesome practices and demands for an ariyasāvako. The Buddha describes a set of healthy virtues to the young layman Siṅgāla, that should be practiced towards parents, children, spouses, employees, friends, and ascetics. These recommendations are all rooted in deep sympathy and goodwill, expressed by the verb anukampanti, which literally means “to shake, tremble along with”: to sympathize, to have pity, to be filled with benevolence and compassion. Although some of these guidelines might appear dubious to a modern, sceptical and reformist citizen at a first glance, a closer look reveals a profound emphasis on devotion, empathy, and compassion. This profound yearning to “do good” would foster peace and harmony in any society.