法苑珠林 80.32

80.32

The commentary states: This clarifies the relative merits and defects of material giving compared with the gift of Dharma. Therefore, the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra states: 'The Buddha said that among gifts, the gift of Dharma is foremost. Why is this? Material giving has a limit, whereas the gift of Dharma is limitless. Material giving yields retribution within the kāmadhātu, whereas the gift of Dharma yields retribution that transcends the tridhātu. Material giving cannot sever the outpourings (āsravas), whereas the gift of Dharma purely ascends to the other shore. Material giving only induces retribution among humans and devas, whereas the gift of Dharma universally induces the fruits of the three vehicles. Material giving is accessible to both the foolish and the wise, whereas the gift of Dharma is restricted solely to the wise. In material giving, only the giver obtains merit, whereas the gift of Dharma universally benefits both giver and receiver. Material giving can be received by foolish animals, whereas the gift of Dharma is restricted solely to intelligent humans. Material giving only benefits the physical body, whereas the gift of Dharma is able to benefit the mind and spirit. Material giving can increase the illness of greed, whereas the gift of Dharma can eradicate the three poisons.' Therefore, the Mahāsaṃnipāta-sūtra states: 'Though one's gifts of jewels be plentiful, they do not equal reciting and upholding a single verse with a sincere mind. The gift of Dharma is the most wondrous, surpassing food and drink.'