法苑珠林 42.17

42.17

Furthermore, the Ekottarika-āgama states: 'Giving has five matters termed timely: first, when someone comes from afar; second, when someone goes afar; third, at the time of sickness; fourth, at the time of cold or heat; fifth, when one first obtains melons and fruits. If one obtains new grain, one first gives it to those who uphold the precepts with vigor, and only afterwards eats it oneself.' Furthermore, giving has three methods: first, sending food to the temple is termed superior; going to the house to make offerings is termed middling; building a house, begging for donations, and generating the mind to make offerings is termed inferior.