Marriage equality in Buddhism

DOI: 10.18173/2354-1067.2022-0030

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the equality in the marriage relationship of Buddhism through the Nikaya Canon. Analytical and comparative methods were mainly used in the study. Research results showed that, even though it has been more than 2600 years, the Buddha’s teaching on marriage has never been out of date. To have a happy marriage, the husband and wife have to achieve four similarities or homogeneity, including, Samasaddhā, Samasīla, Samacāgā và Samapaññā. The application of Buddha’s teachings to life in general and marriage, in particular, has a profound meaning and brings many values to human development. From the analysis results of the typical ideal family model when the Buddha was alive as “Nakula’s parents” – the marriage is built on the spirit of Buddha’s thought along with Buddhist views on equality. The research proposed a method of practice to maintain a stable marriage foundation in the spirit of the Buddha’s teachings, contributing to building a healthy spiritual life for modern Vietnamese people.