法苑珠林 81.4

81.4

The commentary states: This means that among those capable of giving, their practice possesses wisdom or folly. If a wise person practices giving, he must examine the other person: if it is beneficial, he gives; if it is not beneficial, he does not give. Therefore, the Upāsakaśīla Sūtra states: "If one sees a poor person, one should first say to him: 'Can you take refuge in the Three Jewels and receive the fasting precepts?' If he says he can, one first confers the Three Refuges and the fasting precepts, and afterwards gives the gift. If he says he cannot, one subsequently says to him: 'Can you follow my words and contemplate all dharmas as impermanent, without self, and nirvāṇa as quiescence?' If he says he can, after instructing him one then gives. If one has no wealth oneself, one instructs others who have wealth to make such gifts. If a foolish person is greedy for and attached to wealth and material things, unaware that things are impermanent and belonging to others, being fondly attached and stingy, the bodhisattva sees these as useless things and instructs him to give them away urgently, lest they impede the cultivation of the path." Therefore, the Mahālaṃkāra-śāstra states: "If an object causes vexation to arise, it should not be kept. Even if it is a precious toy, separation from it is inevitable. Just as bees make honey and others obtain it while they themselves do not, wealth and treasures are also like this."