Monk, here a Tathāgata appears in the world, accomplished, fully Enlightened, perfect in true wisdom and conduct, superb, knower of worlds, incomparable leader of persons to be tamed, Teacher of gods and humans, Enlightened, Fortunate.

He declares this world with its gods, its Māras, and its Brāhmas, this generation with its Ascetics and Brāhmins, its princes and its people, which he has himself realized with direct knowledge (experience).

He teaches The Teachings good in the beginning, good in the middle, and good in the end, with the right meaning and phrasing, and he reveals a holy life that is entirely perfect and pure.

A Householder or Householder’s son or one born in some other clan hears these Teachings. On hearing The Teachings he acquires confidence in The Tathāgata. Possessing that confidence, he considers thus:

Household life is crowded and dusty; life gone forth is wide open. It is not easy, while living in a home to lead the holy life entirely perfect and pure as a polished shell. Suppose I shave off my hair and beard, put on the yellow robe, and go forth from the home life into homelessness.

(Reference: MN 27)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares a Teaching where he describes that living as a Household Practitioner is quite challenging. Attaining Enlightenment by any being is a challenge. Attaining Enlightenment as a Household Practitioner during the lifetime of The Buddha was very challenging.

While Household Practitioners did attain Enlightenment during the lifetime of The Buddha and after his death, Household Practitioners have many obstacles to overcome. During the lifetime of Gotama Buddha, Household Practitioners were very occupied with countless tasks just to sustain life. To acquire the needed food, water, clothing, shelter, and medical care required much effort which left little time for learning, reflecting, and practicing The Teachings.

Today, we exist during a time where modern conveniences have made it easier for us to acquire the needed supplies to sustain life. While Household Practitioners still have obstacles to overcome, so do Ordained Practitioners. While there is one set of benefits and challenges to the ordained lifestyle, there is another set of benefits and challenges associated with the household lifestyle. Today, in my opinion, it is much more likely for a Household Practitioner to attain Enlightenment than even during the lifetime of Gotama Buddha due to our ability to more readily acquire the needed supplies to sustain life, thus, providing more time to learn, reflect, and practice these Teachings.