法苑珠林 71.11

71.11

If one cultivates merit in pursuit of worldly retribution: as when, upon relinquishing wealth, one seeks future retribution for oneself; or relinquishes it out of fear that body and wealth are impermanent; or focuses exclusively on self-benefit for the sake of fame and reputation—this is not done out of compassion to relieve the poor and suffering. It is like commercial trade, not a purely wholesome karma; hence in the sūtras it is called impure giving. As the Śata-śāstra says: "Giving for such reasons is called impure; the giving is like commercial trade." Therefore, its retribution is of two kinds: present retribution, namely fame, respect, love, and the like; and subsequent retribution, namely wealth and honor in future lifetimes, and the like. This is called impure giving. It is like a merchant who travels far to another land: although he brings miscellaneous goods and brings much benefit, he does so not out of pity for sentient beings, but to seek profit for himself; hence this karma is impure. Giving in pursuit of retribution is also like this. From this it is proven that where there is no genuine compassion, but only the pursuit of reputation for oneself, or the desire for future retribution, even extensive giving is not pure karma. Because the karma is not pure, the retribution obtained is not refined. Thus the Fenbie yebao jing says: "If one gives in order to be born in heaven, / or again seeks renown, / to repay kindness or hope for retribution, / or practices giving out of fear, / the fruit attained will not be pure, / and what is received will mostly be coarse and harsh." The practice of giving being such, all good deeds such as moral discipline are similarly impure. Thus the Śata-śāstra says: "Those of impure discipline seek pleasurable retribution for themselves: if one keeps the precepts seeking [rebirth] in heaven to take pleasure with celestial maidens, or [seeking] wealth and honor among humans to enjoy the pleasures of the five desires—this is done for the sake of sensual desire. Like a charlatan who internally lusts after another's form while externally feigning intimacy and virtue, this is called impure." Other than this, impure observance of precepts with a subtle mind is as the verse that Ānanda spoke to Nanda says: