The Buddhist scripture "Sutra of Good Life" emphasizes harmony between husband and wife.
A husband should respect and provide for his wife in five ways:
1. Cherishing the wife: The husband should always remember with love the hard work his wife puts into household affairs and raising children.
2. Not belittling her: A husband should not become arrogant towards his wife because he earns more money, has a higher education, or is good-looking. He should avoid being overly patriarchal.
3. Providing jewelry and adornments: The husband should buy jewelry and clothing for his wife to make her look dignified and beautiful.
4. Allowing freedom at home: Household matters should be left to the wife's discretion, giving her a sense of security in the home.
5. Respecting her family: The husband should not only respect his wife but also her family members, such as father-in-law, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law. He should care for her extended family.
Wives should honor their husbands in thirteen ways:
1. Devoted love: In the family, maintaining monogamous affection is crucial for marital harmony. From the wife’s perspective, if she had previous boyfriends or male classmates, she should be transparent about them in front of her husband to avoid misunderstandings. This applies equally to the husband regarding female classmates or ex-girlfriends.
2. Supporting the husband: The husband should ensure his wife dresses fashionably, while the wife should take care of his dietary needs and keep his clothes clean and tidy so that he does not face disrespect in public.
3. Thinking kindly of her husband: She should often consider how hard her husband works outside the home or how tiring it might be when he travels on business.
4. Managing household affairs: She should maintain the household well to prevent any decline in property or business.
5. Taking care of relatives: She should respect her in-laws, get along well with all members of her husband's family, and treat them kindly.
6. Serving elders: She should regularly visit and serve her husband's elders to show filial piety.
7. Showing respect while walking: When her husband's elders walk, she should follow behind to offer protection and show respect.
8. Speaking honestly: She should speak truthfully and straightforwardly.
9. Welcoming guests openly: If guests come to the house, she should welcome them warmly without restriction. As the housewife, she should not limit visits from her husband's parents or relatives.
10. Praising visitors: She should not only welcome guests but also express joy upon their arrival, making them feel at home.
11. Preparing seating: She should arrange proper seating for guests.
12. Offering delicious food: She should generously provide tasty meals for guests, showing warmth and kindness, and demonstrating that she is a virtuous and kind woman.
13. Honoring monks and ascetics: If a monk or religious person comes knocking on the door, she should give them what they ask for, whether it be money or other items. Regardless of their authenticity, she should treat them as representatives of the Triple Gem and offer them respect and support.
If a husband can compassionately care for his wife, there will be growth and no decline.