法苑珠林 41.22

41.22

上方者即是沙門婆羅門等。若有供養上方沙門婆羅門。衣服飲食房舍臥具病瘦醫藥。悑時能救。飢饉世施食。聞惡能遮。禮拜恭敬尊重讚歎。是人則能供養上方沙門等。是出家人復以五事報之。一能令生信。二教修智慧。三教令行施。四教令持戒。五教令多聞。若有供養是六方者。是人則能增長財命。能得受持優婆塞戒。

The upper direction refers to śramaṇas, brāhmaṇas, and the like. If there is someone who makes offerings to the upper direction of śramaṇas and brāhmaṇas with clothing, food and drink, dwellings, bedding, and medicine for illness and emaciation; who can rescue them in times of fear; who donates food in times of famine; who, upon hearing evil, can prevent it; and who bows, pays respect, esteems, and praises them, this person is able to make offerings to the upper direction of śramaṇas and others. These renunciants in return repay them with five matters: first, they can inspire faith; second, they instruct them to cultivate wisdom; third, they instruct them to practice giving; fourth, they instruct them to uphold the precepts; fifth, they instruct them to learn much. If there is one who makes offerings to these six directions, this person will increase in wealth and life span, and will be able to receive and uphold the upāsaka precepts.'