諸經要集 11.37

11.37

When one opens one's mind exclusively to benefit others, the merit obtained is abundant. Furthermore, with regard to the recipients of dāna, there are the poor and the sick, or those who know the Dharma but lack necessities. If one gives to cause them to obtain benefit and increase the good, the dāna is appropriate and the merit obtained is abundant. Therefore the Xianyu jing says: 'The Buddha praised five kinds of dāna that obtain immeasurable merit: namely, giving to one who comes from afar; giving to one who goes afar; giving to the sick and emaciated; giving food and drink in a time of starvation; and giving to one who knows the Dharma. Giving these five brings retribution in the present life.' Such dāna is appropriate and obtains abundant merit in the present life; it is not like seeking fame. If one gives to improper recipients, even if one relinquishes much, one does not obtain pure retribution. Furthermore, as for rejoicing in the dāna of others: when viewed against those who are extremely coarse and create unwholesomeness, this is a subtle transgression, yet it may also be called wholesome. If viewed against detachment from desire and acting exclusively for others, this mixed karma is indeed a transgression. Therefore the Treatise on the Great [Virtue of] Wisdom says: 'Coarse people have coarse transgressions; subtle people have subtle transgressions.' Hence, in this mixed karma, transgressions and merit are performed together; viewed from the mind, it is not unadulterated and is impure karma. The above clarification that the concurrent performance of transgressions and merit is impure mixed karma of the desire realm is concluded. If we discuss pure karma, it can be known by reversing what preceded. Therefore the Śata-śāstra says: 'As for pure dāna: if one acts with love, respect, and benefit, the merit obtained is also abundant.' Therefore a verse from the Yinguo jing says: