法苑珠林 81.16

81.16

Fourth, the contrast between much and little: As the Avadānasūtra on the Dharmapada states: "Giving has four cases. What are the four? First, giving much and obtaining little karmic reward; second, giving little and obtaining much karmic reward; third, giving little and obtaining little karmic reward; fourth, giving much and also obtaining much karmic reward. What is meant by 'giving much and obtaining little karmic reward'? That person is foolish, kills living beings for sacrifices, drinks wine, sings, and dances, wasting money and treasures without gaining any merit or wisdom. This is termed 'giving much and obtaining little.' What is meant by 'giving little and obtaining much'? One who can, with a loving mind, make offerings to persons of moral virtue: after the monastic assembly has eaten, they make vigorous efforts in study and recitation. Though what is given here is small, its merit is exceedingly great. This is termed 'giving little and obtaining much.' What is meant by 'giving little and obtaining a small reward'? Giving with stingy greed and evil intent to ordinary Daoist practitioners, both parties being foolish. Therefore, giving little yields little merit. What is meant by 'giving much and obtaining much merit'? If a worthy person realizes that the world is impermanent, gladly brings forth wealth to erect stupas and temples, vihāras, groves, and orchards, makes offerings to the Three Honoured Ones of robes, sandals, beds, couches, and kitchen meals, this merit flows like the five great rivers into the great ocean. Such is the flow of merit, uninterrupted life after life. This is termed 'giving much and its retribution is also great.'"