諸經要集 11.35

11.35

As for cultivating merit while seeking worldly retribution: it is like abandoning wealth while seeking one's own future retribution; or abandoning it out of fear of the impermanence of body and wealth; or exclusively seeking one's own benefit for the sake of fame. This is not out of maitrī-karuṇā to relieve poverty and suffering; it is just like marketplace trading, not purely clean karma. For this reason, the sūtras call it impure dāna. As the Śata-śāstra says: 'Giving for the sake of retribution is called impure dāna, because it is like marketplace trading. Retribution is of two kinds: present retribution is fame, respect, love, and so forth; future retribution is wealth, noble rank, and so forth in future lives. It is called impure dāna. For example, when a merchant travels far to another land, although he carries various goods that bring much benefit, he does not do so out of pity for sentient beings, but to seek profit for himself; therefore this karma is impure. Practicing dāna while seeking retribution is also like this.' From this it is proven and known: without true pity, seeking fame for oneself or acting for the sake of future retribution, even though one gives extensively, none of it is pure karma. Because the karma is not pure, the retribution obtained is not unadulterated. Therefore the Fenbie yebao jing says: 'If one gives for the sake of birth in heaven, or gives seeking fame, to repay a favour, or hoping for retribution, or out of fear, the fruit obtained will not be pure, and what is received will mostly be coarse and harsh.' Since the practice of dāna is like this, morality and other wholesome deeds that are impure are also the same. Therefore the Śata-śāstra says: 'Impure upkeep of morality seeks a pleasurable retribution for oneself. If one keeps morality seeking to sport and take pleasure with celestial maidens in heaven, or in the human realm seeks wealth, noble rank, and enjoyment of the pleasures of the five desires for the sake of lust—like one who conceals his true appearance, inwardly desiring another's form while outwardly showing friendliness—this is called impure.' In addition to this, impure upkeep of morality with a subtle mind is as Ānanda said to Nanda in a verse: