The Buddha emphasises that marriage is not only a means to economic security, companionship and sensual gratification. While all these things enter into the marriage relationship, they do not exhaust it. Ideally the relationship of marriage should promote the moral and spiritual development of both husband and wife. Therefore husband and wife, while performing their respective duties towards each other, should be generous towards others, should observe the precepts, should support religious teachers and monks, and should cultivate their own spiritual practice.

The specific duties between husband and wife as laid down by Buddha are as follows:-

Husband towards wife:

1.Be courteous towards her.
2.Respect her.
3.Be faithful to her.
4.Give her authority in management of household.
5.Provide her with gifts.

Wife towards husband:

1.Perform her duties well.
2.Be cordial to husband's relations.
3.Be faithful to him.
4.Protect his earnings.
5.Be skilful and diligent in management of household.