Itivuttaka — Assim Foi Dito — 26 — Giving

1This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

2“Mendicants, if sentient beings only knew, as I do, the fruit of giving and sharing, they would not eat without first giving, and the stain of stinginess would not occupy their minds. They would not eat without sharing even their last mouthful, their last morsel, so long as there was someone to receive it. It is because sentient beings do not know, as I do, the fruit of giving and sharing, that they eat without first giving, and the stain of stinginess occupies their minds.”

3The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

4“If sentient beings only knew
how great is the fruit
of giving and sharing
as taught by the great seer!

5Rid of the stain of stinginess,
with clear and confident heart,
they would duly give to the noble ones,
where a gift is very fruitful.

6Having given food in abundance
to those worthy of a religious donation,
after passing from the human realm,
the givers go to heaven.

7And when they have arrived there in heaven,
they enjoy all the pleasures they desire.
The generous enjoy the
fruit of giving and sharing.”

8This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.