Buddha definition of lay follower | Question by Mahanama, Anguttara Nikaya 8.25

Numbered Discourse 8.25 with Mahanama

At one time the Buddha was staying in the land of the Sakyans (in old India), near Kapilavatthu in the Banyan Tree Monastery. Then, Mahanama the Sakyan went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to him:

“Sir, how is a lay follower defined?”

Buddha replied:

“Mahanama, when you’ve gone for refuge to the Buddha, the teaching, and the Sangha (community of Buddha's disciples), you’re considered to be a lay follower.”

“But how is an ethical lay follower defined?”

“When a lay follower doesn’t kill living creatures, steal, commit sexual misconduct, lie, or consume beer, wine, and liquor intoxicants, they’re considered to be an ethical lay follower.”

Buddha continued:

“But how do we define a lay follower who is practicing to benefit themselves, not others?”

“A lay follower is accomplished in faith, but doesn’t encourage others to do the same. 

They’re accomplished in ethical conduct, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

They’re accomplished in generosity, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

They like to see the monks, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

They like to hear the true teaching, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

They readily memorize the teachings they’ve heard, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

They examine the meaning of the teachings they’ve memorized, but don’t encourage others to do the same. 

Understanding the meaning and the teaching, they practice accordingly, but they don’t encourage others to do the same. 

That’s how we define a lay follower who is practicing to benefit themselves, not others.”

Buddha continued:

“But how do we define a lay follower who is practicing to benefit both themselves and others?”

“A lay follower is accomplished in faith and encourages others to do the same. 

They’re accomplished in ethical conduct and encourage others to do the same. 

They’re accomplished in generosity and encourage others to do the same. 

They like to see the monks and encourage others to do the same. 

They like to hear the true teaching and encourage others to do the same. 

They readily memorize the teachings they’ve heard and encourage others to do the same. 

They examine the meaning of the teachings they’ve memorized and encourage others to do the same. 

Understanding the meaning and the teaching, they practice accordingly and they encourage others to do the same. 

That’s how we define a lay follower who is practicing to benefit both themselves and others.”

That is what the Buddha said.

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