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Anguttara Nikaya III, V, iv, 31
PTS: The Book of the Gradual Sayings, III: The Book of the Fives: IV:
Sumana: 1: Sumana, the rajah's daughter, pp24
I hear tell, once upon a time the Lucky Man, Savatthi-town, Jeta Woods, Anathapindika Park, came a revisit'n. There, Sumana, the daughter of the king, sister of King Pasenadi, rajah of Kosala, along with 500 handmaidens in 500 chariots came to pay a call.
Then, after paying respect with closed palms, she sat on a low seat to one side at a respectful distance and said:
"In the case, Bhante, where there were two disciples of the Bhaggava who were of equal faith, equal ethical culture, and equal understanding, but where there was a difference in their practice of generosity, one being a giver and one not, and both were to find consciousness again after the death of the body in a happy condition among the gods: would there be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be a difference, Sumana," said the Lucky Man, "The giver, finding consciousness again in a happy condition among the gods would be better off in five ways: life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should once again find rebirth as Man, would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be a difference, Sumana. The giver finding consciousness again as Man would be better off in five ways: life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should leave the householder's life and go forth into homelessness, would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be difference, Sumana. The giver, leaving the householder's life and going forth into homelessness, would be better off in five ways: in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept robes; in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept food; in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept shelter; in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept medicines; and furthermore, his companions in the life tend to act towards him with friendliness in body, speech and mind and often offer to do him services."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should both win Arahantship, would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"In the case of this case, Sumana, I say there is no difference to be perceived between them, comparing freedom with freedom."
"It is wonderful, Bhante, it is marvelous the extent of the positive effects of giving and doing good deeds: a help to one as a man, a help to one as a god, and a help to one as one gone forth!"
"Even so, Sumana! Even so!"
(Anguttara Nikaya III, V, iv, 34
PTS: The Book of the Gradual Sayings, III: The Book of the Fives: IV:
Sumana: 4: Siha, the general, pp31)
I hear tell, once upon a time the Lucky Man, Vesali-town, the Peaked Roof House in Great Woods residing, when Siha, the general came to call.
There, after greeting Bhaggava with closed palms, Siha took a low seat to one side and asked:
"Is it possible, Bhante, to show the consequences of giving in the here and now?"
"It is, general." said the Lucky Man, "The giver is here and now considered good and is liked by many.
Again, good and wise men gather round the giver, and this is an advantage in the here and now.
Again, the giver gets a good reputation.
Again, General, whenever the giver enters a council or meeting, whether of householders or royalty or religious leaders or sorcerers, he enters fearlessly, confidently.
And again, General, at the breakup of the body at death the giver finds consciousness again in a happy state among the gods."
"Well, Bhante, as for the first four of these consequences of giving visible in the here and now, I do not need to go by faith to the Lucky Man, for I am able to see them for myself. I am a generous person, Bhante, and I am considered good and am liked by many; many good and wise men are my companions; I have a good reputation: People say: 'The General Siha is a giver, he works for and serves the Sangha;' and whenever I enter a council or meeting, whether of householders or royalty or religious leaders or sorcerers, I do so fearlessly, confidently...but when the Bhaggava says: "And again, General, at the breakup of the body at death the giver finds consciousness again in a happy sate among the gods.' this is something of which I have no personal experience and go by faith."
Even so Siha. Even so.
(Anguttara Nikaya III, V, iv, 35
PTS: The Book of the Gradual Sayings, III: The Book of the Fives: IV:
Sumana: 5: The advantages from gifts, pp32)
"Beggars! There are these five advantages to be had by giving:
The giver is here and now considered good and is liked by many.
Again, good and wise men gather round the giver.
Again, the giver gets a good reputation.
Again, the giving housefather is not one who deviates from good ethical standards.
And at the breakup of the body at death the giver finds consciousness again in a happy state among the gods."
(Anguttara Nikaya III, V, iv, 36
PTS: The Book of the Gradual Sayings, III: The Book of the Fives: IV:
Sumana: 6: The Right Time, pp33)
"Beggars! There are these five right times for giving:
When there is a newcomer, it is the right time for giving,
Again, when there is one who is taking leave, it is the right time for giving,
Again, when there is one who is sick, it is the right time for giving,
Again, when food is hard to get, it is the right time for giving,
And again, at harvest-time, he gives the first fruits of his labors to those of high ethical conduct."
(Anguttara Nikaya III, V, iv, 37
PTS: The Book of the Gradual Sayings, III: The Book of the Fives: IV:
Sumana: 8: The gift of a meal, pp34)
"Beggars! There are these five gifts given by the food giver.
What five?
Life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits.
But, Beggars, giving such as such as this, he shares in five benefits.
What five?
Life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits,
Both hear and in the hereafter.
All as retold by Mike Olds
Contact: MikeOlds(at)pacbell.net
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