Householder

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In English word householder is used to translate multiple Buddhist terms. Most broadly, it refers to lay person, in contrast to a monastic or religious mendicant (śramaṇa).

The term "householder" is used to translate the following Sanskrit terms:

  • gṛhastha - a married male who supports his family through his labor[1]
  • gṛhapati - a wealthy patron of Buddhism[2]

In contemporary Buddhist groups, the term "householder" is generally used to refer to non-monastic lay practitioners.

Notes

  1. Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. gṛhastha.
  2. Buswell & Lopez 2014, s.v. gṛhapati.


Sources