法苑珠林 64.44

64.44

When a bodhisattva practices dāna, all the poor and destitute come to take refuge in him, just as travelers in the great wilderness turn toward a tree when it is hot. A bodhisattva loves and delights in superior reputation and gaining liberation. If someone comes and tells the bodhisattva, “A beggar has arrived,” the bodhisattva rejoices and immediately rewards the messenger with wealth and material goods. The bodhisattva then gives other items to the beggar with joy, love, and respect. When the petitioner says, “I beg of you,” the bodhisattva conceives a mind of pity upon hearing these words. If there is a beggar who does not know that the bodhisattva’s nature delights in giving, the bodhisattva takes him by the hand and speaks with him joyfully, just like a close friend, dismantling his ignorance and causing him to recognize [his goodwill]. Bystanders who see this also rejoice. When seeing a beggar, he says, “Come, what do you need? Take as you wish!” and comforts him, saying, “Welcome, worthy one, do not be afraid; I shall become a refuge for you,” causing that beggar’s heart to find coolness. If one gives in this manner, one is called a living person; if not, one is called a dead person. If beggars do not come, he goes out to give to them of his own accord. When someone comes begging, he would even give up his bodily life, to say nothing of wealth and property! If there is no compassionate heart, it is not called giving; if there is a compassionate heart, giving is itself liberation. Even if one possesses great wealth, [without giving] one is called an impoverished person. Even though a rich person gives, if he lacks a compassionate heart, though it is called giving, he is not called a donor. Giving with a compassionate heart—this is what is called a donor. If giving while seeking recompense is called a giver, then merchants could also be called givers. If giving while seeking recompense still brings immeasurable retribution, how much more so for one who has a compassionate heart and gives without seeking recompense—how could its karmic fruit be calculated? Giving while seeking recompense can only bring self-pleasure; it cannot bring salvation, and is merely useless toil. One who gives with a compassionate heart is able to provide salvation, and when attaining the fruit later on, it brings great benefit. One who cultivates giving attains wealth; one who cultivates dhyāna attains liberation; one who cultivates compassion attains unexcelled bodhi—the most supreme among all fruits.