諸經要集 10.33

10.33

述曰。此明財法相對校量優劣。故智度論云。佛說施中法施第一。何以故。財施有量。法施無量。財施欲界報。法施出三界報。財施不能斷漏。法施清升彼岸。財施但感人天報。法施通感三乘果。財施愚智俱閑。法施唯局智人。財施唯能施者得福。法施通益能所。財施愚畜能受。法施唯局聰人。財施但益色身。法施能利心神。財施能增貪病。法施能除三毒。故大集經云。施寶雖多。不如至心誦持一偈。法施最妙勝過飲食。

The commentary says: This clarifies the relative merits and defects of material giving and Dharma giving in comparison. Thus the Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa says: 'The Buddha said that among gifts, the gift of Dharma is foremost. Why is that? Material giving is measurable; Dharma giving is immeasurable. Material giving has its retribution in the desire realm; Dharma giving has its retribution transcending the three realms. Material giving cannot sever the outflows; Dharma giving purely ascends to the other shore. Material giving only brings about the retributions of humans and devas; Dharma giving universally brings about the fruits of the three vehicles. In material giving, the foolish and the wise are equally skilled; Dharma giving is restricted only to the wise. In material giving, only the giver obtains merit; Dharma giving benefits both [giver and receiver]. In material giving, the foolish and beasts can receive it; Dharma giving is restricted only to the intelligent. Material giving only benefits the physical body; Dharma giving benefits the mental spirit. Material giving can increase the illness of greed; Dharma giving can eliminate the three poisons.' Therefore, the Mahāsaṃnipāta-sūtra says: 'Although the precious jewels given may be many, it is not as good as reciting and upholding a single gāthā with a sincere mind. The gift of Dharma is most wondrous, surpassing food and drink.'