The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature c9.28.2

c9.28.2

and other similes are employed in order to exalt and glorify him.⁷⁹ The Buddhists put their well-known *dāna-sūtra* (text or aphorism on *dāna*) into the mouth of Gautama Buddha, who is represented as speaking these words: "If the living beings knew the fruit and final reward of charity and the distribution of gifts, as I know them, then they would not eat their food without giving to others and sharing with others, even if it were their last morsel and mouthful. If they should meet a person, who is worthy of receiving a gift, selfishness (niggardliness), that has once arisen, would not abide in their hearts. But they do not know the fruit and final reward of charity and the distribution of gifts, as I know them. For this reason, they eat without giving and sharing with others; and selfishness, that has once arisen, abides in their hearts.” 80 This passage describes the merits of charity in a general way, but the author of the *Samādhirāja-sūtra* mentions ten advantages resulting from the practice of *dāna*. He says: “A *bodhisattva*, who is devoted to charity, conquers the sin of selfish niggardliness; his heart is ennobled by the spirit of renunciation; he really enjoys pleasures in sharing them with many persons; he is born in wealthy families, which command many enjoyments; he is of a charitable disposition from the moment of his birth; he becomes popular among the four kinds of assemblies (i.e. monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen);