諸經要集 19.85

19.85

Furthermore, the *Vibhāṣā-śāstra* says: A person sought wealth unlawfully, and when he acquired it, because of stinginess he had no thought of giving even to his own family members, let alone others. Having had no intention to give, at the end of his life when his body broke up, he fell among the hungry ghosts. If he dwells by his original house in the filthy feces and excrement of a latrine, his relatives will feel grief and anguish and think: 'He accumulated wealth, yet did not enjoy it himself, nor did he give to others.' Out of their sorrow, they wish to give him food, so they invite relatives, kinsmen, friends, good acquaintances, śramaṇas, and brāhmaṇas, and provide them with food and drink. At that time, the hungry ghost sees this in person, regards the family's property as his own, and thinks: 'Such wealth as this was accumulated by me, and now it is being given to others!' His heart is filled with great joy, and faith and reverence arise in him toward the field of merit (puṇyakṣetra). If he is reborn in another destiny, mostly he will not obtain this power; but even if the deceased person does not receive this merit, by performing good on his behalf [the living] naturally obtain great benefit, just as by generating loving-kindness (maitrī) one always naturally acquires merit.