法苑珠林 69.67

69.67

As stated in the Treatise on the Maitreyabodhisattva-paripṛcchā-sūtra: Question: 'What are the fruit and retribution of generosity (dāna)?' Answer: 'Briefly stated, generosity has one kind of fruit: the fruit of enjoyment. The fruit of enjoyment furthermore has two kinds of fruits: the fruit experienced in the present, and the fruit experienced in the future. Furthermore, there are three kinds of fruits: namely, these two kinds with the addition of wisdom (prajñā). Furthermore, there are four kinds of fruits. What are the four? First, having a fruit but no enjoyment; second, having enjoyment but no fruit; third, having both a fruit and enjoyment; fourth, having neither a fruit nor enjoyment. First, having a fruit but no enjoyment refers to giving without utmost sincerity, not giving with one's own hands, and giving with a contemptuous mind. Although one who gives like this obtains immeasurable and diverse fruits and retributions, they are unable to enjoy them, just as the Lord of the Devas of Śrāvastī, though obtaining immeasurable and diverse precious jewels, was unable to enjoy them. Second, having enjoyment but no fruit refers to not giving oneself, but feeling rejoicing upon seeing others perform generosity; on account of this, although they obtain enjoyment, they themselves have no fruit. For example, regarding the goods of a devaputra, although all the śramaṇas, brāhmaṇas, and others obtain clothing, food, and enjoyment, they themselves have no fruit. It is also like the four armies of a wheel-turning sage king (cakravartin): although they obtain clothing and food, they do not obtain the fruit. Third, having both a fruit and enjoyment refers to giving with utmost sincerity and not giving with a contemptuous mind, like the elders such as Jyotiṣka. Fourth, having neither a fruit nor enjoyment refers to a case where after giving, the enjoyment is immediately exhausted, or because it becomes an obstacle to the supramundane noble path, just like noble beings who have separated from defilements. Furthermore, there are five kinds of fruits: obtaining life, complexion, strength, happiness, and eloquence. Because of life, one obtains life; therefore, by giving food, one gives life, and through these causes and conditions, one later obtains long life. Giving complexion, strength, happiness, eloquence, and the like are all also like this.'