Overview
The Sigālovāda Sutta is often called the “Vinaya of the Householder.” The Buddha encountered a young man bowing to the six compass directions in a Brahmanical ritual. The Buddha redefined these directions as the six fundamental social relationships. True “protection” comes from fulfilling one’s reciprocal duties to these six groups of people.
The List
- Puratthimā disā (East) - Parents: Worshipped by supporting them in old age, performing duties for them, maintaining family traditions, and being worthy of inheritance.
- Dakkhiṇā disā (South) - Teachers: Worshipped by rising to greet them, eagerly learning, and providing them with their needs.
- Pacchimā disā (West) - Wife and Family: Worshipped by treating her with respect, being faithful, handing over authority, and providing adornments.
- Uttarā disā (North) - Friends and Companions: Worshipped by generosity, kind words, looking after their welfare, and keeping their secrets.
- Heṭṭhimā disā (Nadir/Below) - Servants and Employees: Worshipped by assigning work according to their ability, providing fair food and wages, tending to them in sickness, and granting leave.
- Uparimā disā (Zenith/Above) - Ascetics and Brahmins (Monastics): Worshipped by acting with loving-kindness in body, speech, and mind, keeping the door open to them, and providing material needs.
Textual References
- Canonical: Sigālovāda Sutta (DN 31) – The ultimate discourse on Theravāda lay ethics and social responsibility.