諸經要集 10.63

10.63

Furthermore, the *Mahāpuruṣa-śāstra* says: If the mind of stinginess is strong, even dirt and mud are valued more than gold and jade. If the mind of compassion is strong, even giving gold and jade is treated lighter than grass and wood. If the mind of stinginess is strong, losing wealth and treasures brings great sorrow and vexation. If one practices giving, one causes the recipient to rejoice and rejoices oneself. Suppose there is fine food: if one eats it without giving it away, one does not find it delicious. Suppose there is bad food: if one is able to practice giving and only then eat, one's heart rejoices and finds it supremely delicious. If after completing the giving there are leftovers for oneself to eat, a good person gives rise to joy as though attaining nirvāṇa. Who among those without faith would believe these words? Suppose there is coarse food: if a hungry person stands before him, he still cannot give it, how much less could he give other superior goods to others? If a person beside a great body of water still cannot give even a little water to sentient beings, how much less any other fine wealth? For such a person in this world, dung and dirt are easier to come by than water; yet when a stingy person hears someone begging for dung and dirt, he still cherishes and begrudges it—how much more so with wealth and goods!