The reciprocal ways in which monks and lay supporters benefit one another

Bahukārasutta, Very Helpful. Translated by John D. Ireland

“Bhikkhus, brahmins and householders are very helpful to you. They provide you with the requisites of robes, almsfood, lodgings, and medicine in time of sickness. And you, bhikkhus, are very helpful to brahmins and householders, as you teach them the Dhamma that is good at the outset, good in the middle, and good at the end, with its correct meaning and wording, and you proclaim the holy life in its fulfilment and complete purity. Thus, bhikkhus, this holy life is lived with mutual support for the purpose of crossing the flood and making a complete end of suffering.”

Householders and homeless alike,

Each a support for the other,

Both accomplish the true Dhamma—

The unsurpassed security from bondage.

From householders the homeless receive

These basic necessities of life,

Robes to wear and a place to dwell

Dispelling the hardships of the seasons.

And by relying on one of good conduct,

Home-loving layfolk dwelling in a house

Place faith in those worthy ones

Of noble wisdom and meditative.

Practising the Dhamma in this life,

The path leading to a good bourn,

Those wishing for pleasure rejoice

In the delights of the deva world.