Aṭṭhakanipāta 38

Numbered Discourses 8.38

4. Giving

A True Person

1 “Mendicants, a true person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. For the benefit, welfare, and happiness of mother and father; children and partners; bondservants, workers, and staff; friends and colleagues; departed ancestors; the king; the deities; and ascetics and brahmins.

2 It’s like a great rain cloud, which nourishes all the crops for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. In the same way, a true person is born in a family for the benefit, welfare, and happiness of the people. …

3 A wise person living at home

benefits many people.

Neither by day or at night do they neglect

their mother, father, and ancestors.

4 They venerate them in accord with the teaching,

remembering what they have done.

One of settled faith and good nature

venerates the homeless renunciates,

5 the mendicant spiritual practitioners,

knowing their good-hearted qualities.

Good for the king, good for the gods,

and good for relatives and comrades.

6 In fact, they’re good for everyone,

well grounded in the true teaching.

Rid of the stain of stinginess,

they’ll enjoy a world of grace.”