法苑珠林 80.34

80.34

Furthermore, the Mahāpuruṣa-śāstra states: 'Material giving exists in the human realm; the gift of Dharma exists in great compassion. Material giving eliminates the physical suffering of sentient beings; the gift of Dharma eliminates the mental suffering of sentient beings. To those with excessive craving, one gives wealth and jewels; to those with excessive delusion, one gives the Dharma. Material giving provides them with inexhaustible wealth; the gift of Dharma is for attaining inexhaustible wisdom. Material giving is for attaining physical pleasure; the gift of Dharma is for attaining mental joy. Material giving is loved by sentient beings; the gift of Dharma is revered by the world. Material giving is loved by fools; the gift of Dharma is loved by the wise. Material giving can provide present happiness; the gift of Dharma can provide the bliss of the heavenly realms and of nirvāṇa.' As the verse says: