法苑珠林 81.9

81.9

Furthermore, the Mahāprajñāpāramitā-śāstra states: "For example, Śāriputra offered a bowl of rice to the Buddha, and the Buddha immediately turned around and gave it to a dog, asking Śāriputra, 'Who obtained more merit?' Śāriputra said, 'According to my understanding of the meaning of the Buddha's Dharma, the Buddha obtained more merit by giving to the dog.'" If based on revering the Dharma, respecting the person, knowing their spiritual level, and cultivating the path, the field of reverence is superior. Thus the Upāsakaśīla Sūtra states: "Giving to an animal yields a hundredfold retribution... up to a srotaāpanna yielding immeasurable retribution; arhats and pratyekabuddhas are still not equal to the Buddha, how much less any other class!" If based on practicing giving with equanimity, without asking whether it is compassion or reverence, giving with an impartial mind yields vastly extensive merit. Thus the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa Sūtra states: "Dividing it into two portions, one portion is given to the Tathāgata Duṣprasaha, and one portion to the lowliest beggar in the city; the fields of merit are not two."