法苑珠林 51.62

51.62

Furthermore, the *Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra* asks: How does dāna give rise to śīlapāramitā? A bodhisattva contemplates: If sentient beings do not understand dāna, they will be poor in future lifetimes. Because of poverty, the mind of robbery arises. Because of robbery, killing occurs. Because of poverty, one lacks sensual pleasure; lacking sensual pleasure, one engages in sexual misconduct. Because of poverty, one becomes base and despised; being base and fearing others, false speech arises. In such ways, due to poverty, they practice the ten unwholesome courses of action. If one practices dāna, one is born with wealth and possessions and does not commit unlawful deeds. Why? Because the five desires are fulfilled and there is no deficiency. For instance, in a past life Devadatta was once a snake, who formed a close friendship with a frog and a tortoise in a pond. Later, the pond water dried up, and they were starving, impoverished, and destitute, with nowhere to appeal. At that time, the snake sent the tortoise to call the frog. The frog spoke a verse to send the tortoise away, saying: