法苑珠林 21.12

21.12

Also, the Bodhisattva-pūrvacaryā-sūtra says: Sudatta was impoverished at home, possessing no wealth or property, yet had utmost faith in morality and virtue. The Buddha taught him giving. Sudatta addressed the Buddha, 'Should I give much or give little?' The Buddha told Sudatta, 'Though what is given is much, the retribution obtained may be little; though what is given is little, the retribution obtained may be great. If one gives much but lacks a sincere mind, is haughty and conceited, and believes in wrong views and perverse doctrines without encountering worthy gentlemen, then though what is given is much, the retribution obtained is little. It is like poor soil where, though much seed is sown, the harvest gathered is very small. What is giving little yet obtaining great merit? If, though the gift is small, one gives with joy and reverence, expecting no reward, to Buddhas, pratyekabuddhas, the four fruits of the śramaṇa, and so forth, then though what is given is small, the retribution obtained is vast and great. It is like fertile soil where, though little is sown, the harvest gathered is very plentiful.'