The Book of Fives
Sutta 31
I hear tell, once upon a time the Lucky Man, Savatthi-town, Jeta Woods, Anathapindika Park, came a revisit'n.
There, Sumana, the daughter of the king,
sister of King Pasenadi, rajah of Kosala,
along with 500 handmaidens in 500 chariots
came to pay a call.
Then, after paying respect with closed palms,
she sat on a low seat to one side at a respectful distance and said:
"In the case, Bhante, where there were two disciples of the Bhaggava who were of equal faith, equal ethical culture, and equal understanding,
but where there was a difference in their practice of generosity,
one being a giver and one not,
and both were to find consciousness again after the death of the body in a happy condition among the gods:
would there be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be a difference, Sumana," said the Lucky Man,
"The giver, finding consciousness again in a happy condition among the gods
would be better off in five ways:
life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should once again find rebirth as Man,
would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be a difference, Sumana.
The giver finding consciousness again as Man
would be better off in five ways:
life, beauty, ease, energy and strength of wits."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should leave the householder's life and go forth into homelessness,
would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"There would be difference, Sumana.
The giver, leaving the householder's life and going forth into homelessness,
would be better off in five ways:
in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept robes;
in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept food;
in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept shelter;
in the frequency of the times he was asked to accept medicines;
and furthermore,
his companions in the life
tend to act towards him with friendliness in body, speech and mind
and often offer to do him services."
"But supposing, Bhante, that these two should both win Arahantship,
would there continue to be any noticeable difference between them?"
"In the case of this case, Sumana, I say there is no difference to be perceived between them,
comparing freedom with freedom."
"It is wonderful, Bhante, it is marvelous
the extent of the positive effects of giving and doing good deeds:
a help to one as a man,
a help to one as a god,
and a help to one as one gone forth!"
"Even so, Sumana! Even so!"
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