Giving · AN 8.31–8.40

AN 8.31 · Giving (1st)

AN 8.31 · Paṭhamadānasutta

“Mendicants, there are these eight gifts. What eight? Someone might give a gift after insulting the recipient. Or they give out of fear. Or they give thinking, ‘They gave to me.’ Or they give thinking, ‘They’ll give to me.’ Or they give thinking, ‘It’s good to give.’ Or they give thinking, ‘I cook, they don’t. It wouldn’t be right for me to not give to them.’ Or they give thinking, ‘By giving this gift I’ll get a good reputation.’ Or they give thinking, ‘This is an adornment and requisite for the mind.’ These are the eight gifts.”

“Aṭṭhimāni, bhikkhave, dānāni. Katamāni aṭṭha? Āsajja dānaṁ deti, bhayā dānaṁ deti, ‘adāsi me’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘dassati me’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘sāhu dānan’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘ahaṁ pacāmi, ime na pacanti; nārahāmi pacanto apacantānaṁ dānaṁ adātun’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘imaṁ me dānaṁ dadato kalyāṇo kittisaddo abbhuggacchatī’ti dānaṁ deti, cittālaṅkāracittaparikkhāratthaṁ dānaṁ deti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha dānānī”ti.

AN 8.32 · Giving (2nd)

AN 8.32 · Dutiyadānasutta

“Faith, conscience, and skillful givingare qualities true persons follow.For this, they say, is the path of the gods,which leads to the heavenly realm.”

“Saddhā hiriyaṁ kusalañca dānaṁ,Dhammā ete sappurisānuyātā;Etañhi maggaṁ diviyaṁ vadanti,Etena hi gacchati devalokan”ti.

AN 8.33 · Reasons to Give

AN 8.33 · Dānavatthusutta

“Mendicants, there are these eight grounds for giving. What eight? Someone might give a gift out of favoritism or hostility or stupidity or cowardice. Or they give thinking, ‘Giving was practiced by my father and my father’s father. It would not be right for me to abandon this traditional family custom.’ Or they give thinking, ‘After I’ve given this gift, when my body breaks up, after death, I’ll be reborn in a good place, a heavenly realm.’ Or they give thinking, ‘When giving this gift my mind becomes clear, and I become happy and joyful.’ Or they give a gift thinking, ‘This is an adornment and requisite for the mind.’ These are the eight grounds for giving.”

“Aṭṭhimāni, bhikkhave, dānavatthūni. Katamāni aṭṭha? Chandā dānaṁ deti, dosā dānaṁ deti, mohā dānaṁ deti, bhayā dānaṁ deti, ‘dinnapubbaṁ katapubbaṁ pitupitāmahehi, nārahāmi porāṇaṁ kulavaṁsaṁ hāpetun’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘imāhaṁ dānaṁ datvā kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā sugatiṁ saggaṁ lokaṁ upapajjissāmī’ti dānaṁ deti, ‘imaṁ me dānaṁ dadato cittaṁ pasīdati, attamanatā somanassaṁ upajāyatī’ti dānaṁ deti, cittālaṅkāracittaparikkhāratthaṁ dānaṁ deti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha dānavatthūnī”ti.

AN 8.34 · A Field

AN 8.34 · Khettasutta

“Mendicants, when a field has eight factors a seed sown in it is not very fruitful or rewarding or productive. What eight factors does it have? It’s when a field has mounds and ditches. It has stones and gravel. It’s salty. It doesn’t have deep furrows. And it’s not equipped with water inlets, water outlets, irrigation channels, and boundaries. When a field has these eight factors a seed sown in it is not fruitful or rewarding or productive.

“Aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate, bhikkhave, khette bījaṁ vuttaṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahassādaṁ na phātiseyyaṁ. Kathaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate? Idha, bhikkhave, khettaṁ unnāmaninnāmi ca hoti, pāsāṇasakkharikañca hoti, ūsarañca hoti, na ca gambhīrasitaṁ hoti, na āyasampannaṁ hoti, na apāyasampannaṁ hoti, na mātikāsampannaṁ hoti, na mariyādasampannaṁ hoti. Evaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate, bhikkhave, khette bījaṁ vuttaṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahassādaṁ na phātiseyyaṁ.

In the same way, when an ascetic or brahmin has eight factors a gift given to them is not very fruitful or beneficial or brilliant or bountiful. What eight factors do they have? It’s when an ascetic or brahmin has wrong view, wrong purpose, wrong speech, wrong action, wrong livelihood, wrong effort, wrong mindfulness, and wrong immersion. When an ascetic or brahmin has these eight factors a gift given to them is not very fruitful or beneficial or brilliant or bountiful.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu samaṇabrāhmaṇesu dānaṁ dinnaṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahānisaṁsaṁ na mahājutikaṁ na mahāvipphāraṁ. Kathaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu? Idha, bhikkhave, samaṇabrāhmaṇā micchādiṭṭhikā honti, micchāsaṅkappā, micchāvācā, micchākammantā, micchāājīvā, micchāvāyāmā, micchāsatino, micchāsamādhino. Evaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu, bhikkhave, samaṇabrāhmaṇesu dānaṁ dinnaṁ na mahapphalaṁ hoti na mahānisaṁsaṁ na mahājutikaṁ na mahāvipphāraṁ.

When a field has eight factors a seed sown in it is very fruitful and rewarding and productive. What eight factors does it have? It’s when a field doesn’t have mounds and ditches. It doesn’t have stones and gravel. It’s not salty. It has deep furrows. And it’s equipped with water inlets, water outlets, irrigation channels, and boundaries. When a field has these eight factors a seed sown in it is very fruitful and rewarding and productive.

Aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate, bhikkhave, khette bījaṁ vuttaṁ mahapphalaṁ hoti mahassādaṁ phātiseyyaṁ. Kathaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate? Idha, bhikkhave, khettaṁ anunnāmāninnāmi ca hoti, apāsāṇasakkharikañca hoti, anūsarañca hoti, gambhīrasitaṁ hoti, āyasampannaṁ hoti, apāyasampannaṁ hoti, mātikāsampannaṁ hoti, mariyādasampannaṁ hoti. Evaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgate, bhikkhave, khette bījaṁ vuttaṁ mahapphalaṁ hoti mahassādaṁ phātiseyyaṁ.

In the same way, when an ascetic or brahmin has eight factors a gift given to them is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful. What eight factors do they have? It’s when an ascetic or brahmin has right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion. When an ascetic or brahmin has these eight factors a gift given to them is very fruitful and beneficial and brilliant and bountiful.

Evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu samaṇabrāhmaṇesu dānaṁ dinnaṁ mahapphalaṁ hoti mahānisaṁsaṁ mahājutikaṁ mahāvipphāraṁ. Kathaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu? Idha, bhikkhave, samaṇabrāhmaṇā sammādiṭṭhikā honti, sammāsaṅkappā, sammāvācā, sammākammantā, sammāājīvā, sammāvāyāmā, sammāsatino, sammāsamādhino. Evaṁ aṭṭhaṅgasamannāgatesu, bhikkhave, samaṇabrāhmaṇesu dānaṁ dinnaṁ mahapphalaṁ hoti mahānisaṁsaṁ mahājutikaṁ mahāvipphāranti.

When the field is excellent,and the seed sown in it is excellent,and the rainfall is excellent,the crop of grain will be excellent.

Yathāpi khette sampanne,pavuttā bījasampadā;Deve sampādayantamhi,hoti dhaññassa sampadā.

The absence of crop loss is excellent,its growth is excellent,its maturation is excellent,and its fruit is excellent.

Anītisampadā hoti,virūḷhī bhavati sampadā;Vepullasampadā hoti,phalaṁ ve hoti sampadā.

So too, when you give excellent foodto those of excellent ethics,it leads to many excellences,for what you did was excellent.

Evaṁ sampannasīlesu,dinnā bhojanasampadā;Sampadānaṁ upaneti,sampannaṁ hissa taṁ kataṁ.

So if a person wants excellence,let them excel in this.You should frequent those with excellent wisdom,so that your own excellence will flourish.

Tasmā sampadamākaṅkhī,sampannatthūdha puggalo;Sampannapaññe sevetha,evaṁ ijjhanti sampadā.

Excelling in knowledge and conduct,and having excellence of mind,you perform excellent deeds,and gain excellent benefits.

Vijjācaraṇasampanne,laddhā cittassa sampadaṁ;Karoti kammasampadaṁ,labhati catthasampadaṁ.

Truly knowing the world,and having attained excellence of view,one who excels in mind proceeds,relying on excellence in the path.

Lokaṁ ñatvā yathābhūtaṁ,pappuyya diṭṭhisampadaṁ;Maggasampadamāgamma,yāti sampannamānaso.

Shaking off all stains,and attaining the excellence of extinguishment,you’re freed from all sufferings:this is complete excellence.”

Odhunitvā malaṁ sabbaṁ,patvā nibbānasampadaṁ;Muccati sabbadukkhehi,sā hoti sabbasampadā”ti.

AN 8.35 · Rebirth by Giving

AN 8.35 · Dānūpapattisutta

“Mendicants, there are these eight rebirths by giving. What eight?

“Aṭṭhimā, bhikkhave, dānūpapattiyo. Katamā aṭṭha?

First, someone gives to ascetics or brahmins such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. Whatever they give they expect back. They see a well-to-do aristocrat or brahmin or householder amusing themselves, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation. It occurs to them: ‘If only, when my body breaks up, after death, I would be reborn in the company of well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders!’ They settle on that thought, stabilize it, and develop it. As they’ve settled for less and not developed further, their thought leads to rebirth there. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders. But I say that this is only for those of ethical conduct, not for the unethical. The heart’s wish of an ethical person succeeds because of their purity.

Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco dānaṁ deti samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. So yaṁ deti taṁ paccāsīsati. So passati khattiyamahāsāle vā brāhmaṇamahāsāle vā gahapatimahāsāle vā pañcahi kāmaguṇehi samappite samaṅgībhūte paricārayamāne. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘aho vatāhaṁ kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā sahabyataṁ upapajjeyyan’ti. So taṁ cittaṁ dahati, taṁ cittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, taṁ cittaṁ bhāveti. Tassa taṁ cittaṁ hīne vimuttaṁ, uttari abhāvitaṁ, tatrūpapattiyā saṁvattati. Kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā khattiyamahāsālānaṁ vā brāhmaṇamahāsālānaṁ vā gahapatimahāsālānaṁ vā sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tañca kho sīlavato vadāmi, no dussīlassa. Ijjhati, bhikkhave, sīlavato cetopaṇidhi visuddhattā.

Next, someone gives to ascetics or brahmins … Whatever they give they expect back. And they’ve heard: ‘The gods of the four great kings are long-lived, beautiful, and very happy.’ It occurs to them: ‘If only, when my body breaks up, after death, I would be reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings!’ … When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings. But I say that this is only for those of ethical conduct, not for the unethical. The heart’s wish of an ethical person succeeds because of their purity.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco dānaṁ deti samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. So yaṁ deti taṁ paccāsīsati. Tassa sutaṁ hoti: ‘cātumahārājikā devā dīghāyukā vaṇṇavanto sukhabahulā’ti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘aho vatāhaṁ kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyyan’ti. So taṁ cittaṁ dahati, taṁ cittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, taṁ cittaṁ bhāveti. Tassa taṁ cittaṁ hīne vimuttaṁ, uttari abhāvitaṁ, tatrūpapattiyā saṁvattati. Kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tañca kho sīlavato vadāmi, no dussīlassa. Ijjhati, bhikkhave, sīlavato cetopaṇidhi visuddhattā.

Next, someone gives to ascetics or brahmins … Whatever they give they expect back. And they’ve heard: ‘The gods of the thirty-three …’

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco dānaṁ deti samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. So yaṁ deti taṁ paccāsīsati. Tassa sutaṁ hoti— tāvatiṁsā devā …pe…

‘The gods of Yama …’

yāmā devā …

‘The joyful gods …’

tusitā devā …

‘The gods who love to create …’

nimmānaratī devā …

‘The gods who control what is created by others are long-lived, beautiful, and very happy.’ It occurs to them: ‘If only, when my body breaks up, after death, I would be reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others!’ They settle on that thought, stabilize it, and develop it. As they’ve settled for less and not developed further, their thought leads to rebirth there. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others. But I say that this is only for those of ethical conduct, not for the unethical. The heart’s wish of an ethical person succeeds because of their purity.

paranimmitavasavattī devā dīghāyukā vaṇṇavanto sukhabahulāti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘aho vatāhaṁ kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyyan’ti. So taṁ cittaṁ dahati, taṁ cittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, taṁ cittaṁ bhāveti. Tassa taṁ cittaṁ hīne vimuttaṁ, uttari abhāvitaṁ, tatrūpapattiyā saṁvattati. Kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tañca kho sīlavato vadāmi, no dussīlassa. Ijjhati, bhikkhave, sīlavato cetopaṇidhi visuddhattā.

Next, someone gives to ascetics or brahmins such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. Whatever they give they expect back. And they’ve heard: ‘The gods of the Divinity’s host are long-lived, beautiful, and very happy.’ It occurs to them: ‘If only, when my body breaks up, after death, I would be reborn in the company of the gods of the Divinity’s host!’ They settle on that thought, stabilize it, and develop it. As they’ve settled for less and not developed further, their thought leads to rebirth there. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods of the Divinity’s host. But I say that this is only for those of ethical conduct, not for the unethical. And for those free of desire, not those with desire. The heart’s wish of an ethical person succeeds because of their freedom from desire.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekacco dānaṁ deti samaṇassa vā brāhmaṇassa vā annaṁ pānaṁ vatthaṁ yānaṁ mālāgandhavilepanaṁ seyyāvasathapadīpeyyaṁ. So yaṁ deti taṁ paccāsīsati. Tassa sutaṁ hoti: ‘brahmakāyikā devā dīghāyukā vaṇṇavanto sukhabahulā’ti. Tassa evaṁ hoti: ‘aho vatāhaṁ kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā brahmakāyikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjeyyan’ti. So taṁ cittaṁ dahati, taṁ cittaṁ adhiṭṭhāti, taṁ cittaṁ bhāveti. Tassa taṁ cittaṁ hīne vimuttaṁ, uttari abhāvitaṁ, tatrūpapattiyā saṁvattati. Kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā brahmakāyikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tañca kho sīlavato vadāmi, no dussīlassa; vītarāgassa, no sarāgassa. Ijjhati, bhikkhave, sīlavato cetopaṇidhi vītarāgattā.

These are the eight rebirths by giving.”

Imā kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha dānūpapattiyo”ti.

AN 8.36 · Grounds for Making Merit

AN 8.36 · Puññakiriyavatthusutta

“Mendicants, there are these three grounds for making merit. What three? Giving, ethical conduct, and meditation are all grounds for making merit.

“Tīṇimāni, bhikkhave, puññakiriyavatthūni. Katamāni tīṇi? Dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu.

First, someone has practiced a little giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn among disadvantaged humans.

Idha, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu parittaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu parittaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā manussadobhagyaṁ upapajjati.

Next, someone has practiced a moderate amount of giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn among well-off humans.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu mattaso kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu mattaso kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā manussasobhagyaṁ upapajjati.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods of the four great kings. There, the four great kings themselves have practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So they surpass them in ten respects: heavenly lifespan, beauty, happiness, glory, sovereignty, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā cātumahārājikānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, cattāro mahārājāno dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, cātumahārājike deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhanti— dibbena āyunā, dibbena vaṇṇena, dibbena sukhena, dibbena yasena, dibbena ādhipateyyena, dibbehi rūpehi, dibbehi saddehi, dibbehi gandhehi, dibbehi rasehi, dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods of the thirty-three. There, Sakka, lord of gods, has practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So he surpasses them in ten respects …

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tāvatiṁsānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, sakko devānamindo dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā tāvatiṁse deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti— dibbena āyunā …pe… dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods of Yama. There, the godling Suyāma has practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So he surpasses them in ten respects …

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā yāmānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, suyāmo devaputto dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, yāme deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti— dibbena āyunā …pe… dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the joyful gods. There, the godling Santusita has practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So he surpasses them in ten respects …

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā tusitānaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, santusito devaputto dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, tusite deve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti— dibbena āyunā …pe… dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods who love to create. There, the godling Sunimmita has practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So he surpasses them in ten respects …

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā nimmānaratīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, sunimmito devaputto dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, nimmānaratīdeve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti— dibbena āyunā …pe… dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

Next, someone has practiced to an extraordinary degree giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit, but they haven’t got as far as meditation as a ground for making merit. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of the gods who control what is created by others. There, the godling Vasavattī has practiced giving and ethical conduct as grounds for making merit to a greater degree than the other gods. So he surpasses them in ten respects: heavenly lifespan, beauty, happiness, glory, sovereignty, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches.

Idha pana, bhikkhave, ekaccassa dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthu adhimattaṁ kataṁ hoti, bhāvanāmayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ nābhisambhoti. So kāyassa bhedā paraṁ maraṇā paranimmitavasavattīnaṁ devānaṁ sahabyataṁ upapajjati. Tatra, bhikkhave, vasavattī devaputto dānamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, sīlamayaṁ puññakiriyavatthuṁ atirekaṁ karitvā, paranimmitavasavattīdeve dasahi ṭhānehi adhigaṇhāti— dibbena āyunā, dibbena vaṇṇena, dibbena sukhena, dibbena yasena, dibbena ādhipateyyena, dibbehi rūpehi, dibbehi saddehi, dibbehi gandhehi, dibbehi rasehi, dibbehi phoṭṭhabbehi.

These are the three grounds for making merit.”

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, tīṇi puññakiriyavatthūnī”ti.

AN 8.37 · Gifts of a True Person

AN 8.37 · Sappurisadānasutta

“Mendicants, there are these eight gifts of a true person. What eight? Their gift is pure, good quality, timely, appropriate, intelligent, and regular. While giving their heart is confident, and afterwards they’re uplifted. These are the eight gifts of a true person.

“Aṭṭhimāni, bhikkhave, sappurisadānāni. Katamāni aṭṭha? Suciṁ deti, paṇītaṁ deti, kālena deti, kappiyaṁ deti, viceyya deti, abhiṇhaṁ deti, dadaṁ cittaṁ pasādeti, datvā attamano hoti. Imāni kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha sappurisadānānīti.

He gives pure, good quality, and timely giftsof appropriate food and drinksregularly to spiritual practitionerswho are fertile fields of merit.

Suciṁ paṇītaṁ kālena,kappiyaṁ pānabhojanaṁ;Abhiṇhaṁ dadāti dānaṁ,sukhettesu brahmacārisu.

They never regretgiving away many things of the flesh.Discerning people praisegiving such gifts.

Neva vippaṭisārissa,cajitvā āmisaṁ bahuṁ;Evaṁ dinnāni dānāni,vaṇṇayanti vipassino.

An intelligent person sacrifices like this,faithful, with a mind of letting go.Such an astute person is rebornin a happy, pleasing world.”

Evaṁ yajitvā medhāvī,saddho muttena cetasā;Abyābajjhaṁ sukhaṁ lokaṁ,paṇḍito upapajjatī”ti.

AN 8.38 · A True Person

AN 8.38 · Sappurisasutta

“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.

“Sappuriso, bhikkhave, kule jāyamāno bahuno janassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti— mātāpitūnaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, puttadārassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, dāsakammakaraporisassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, mittāmaccānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, pubbapetānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, rañño atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, devatānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, samaṇabrāhmaṇānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti.

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. …

Seyyathāpi, bhikkhave, mahāmegho sabbasassāni sampādento bahuno janassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti; evamevaṁ kho, bhikkhave, sappuriso kule jāyamāno bahuno janassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti— mātāpitūnaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, puttadārassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, dāsakammakaraporisassa atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, mittāmaccānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, pubbapetānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, rañño atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, devatānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hoti, samaṇabrāhmaṇānaṁ atthāya hitāya sukhāya hotīti.

A wise person living at homebenefits many people.Neither by day or at night do they neglecttheir mother, father, and ancestors.They venerate them in accord with the teaching,remembering what they have done.

Bahūnaṁ vata atthāya,sappañño gharamāvasaṁ;Mātaraṁ pitaraṁ pubbe,rattindivamatandito.Pūjeti sahadhammena,pubbekatamanussaraṁ;

One of settled faith and good naturevenerates the homeless renunciates,the mendicant spiritual practitioners,knowing their good-hearted qualities.

Anāgāre pabbajite,apace brahmacārayo.Niviṭṭhasaddho pūjeti,ñatvā dhamme ca pesalo;

Good for the king, good for the gods,and good for relatives and comrades.

Rañño hito devahito,ñātīnaṁ sakhinaṁ hito.

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.”

Sabbesaṁ so hito hoti,saddhamme suppatiṭṭhito;Vineyya maccheramalaṁ,sa lokaṁ bhajate sivan”ti.

AN 8.39 · Overflowing Merit

AN 8.39 · Abhisandasutta

“Mendicants, there are these eight kinds of overflowing merit, overflowing goodness. They nurture happiness and are conducive to heaven, ripening in happiness and leading to heaven. They lead to what is likable, desirable, agreeable, to welfare and happiness. What eight?

“Aṭṭhime, bhikkhave, puññābhisandā kusalābhisandā sukhassāhārā sovaggikā sukhavipākā saggasaṁvattanikā, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattanti. Katame aṭṭha?

Firstly, a noble disciple has gone for refuge to the Buddha. This is the first kind of overflowing merit …

Idha, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako buddhaṁ saraṇaṁ gato hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamo puññābhisando kusalābhisando sukhassāhāro sovaggiko sukhavipāko saggasaṁvattaniko, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattati.

Furthermore, a noble disciple has gone for refuge to the teaching. This is the second kind of overflowing merit …

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako dhammaṁ saraṇaṁ gato hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, dutiyo puññābhisando …pe… saṁvattati.

Furthermore, a noble disciple has gone for refuge to the Saṅgha. This is the third kind of overflowing merit …

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako saṅghaṁ saraṇaṁ gato hoti. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, tatiyo puññābhisando kusalābhisando sukhassāhāro sovaggiko sukhavipāko saggasaṁvattaniko, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattati.

Mendicants, these five gifts are great, primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. They are uncorrupted, as they have been since the beginning. They’re not being corrupted now nor will they be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on them. What five?

Pañcimāni, bhikkhave, dānāni mahādānāni aggaññāni rattaññāni vaṁsaññāni porāṇāni asaṅkiṇṇāni asaṅkiṇṇapubbāni, na saṅkiyanti na saṅkiyissanti, appaṭikuṭṭhāni samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Katamāni pañca?

Firstly, a noble disciple gives up killing living creatures. By so doing they give to countless sentient beings the gift of freedom from fear, enmity, and ill will. And they themselves also enjoy unlimited freedom from fear, enmity, and ill will. This is the first gift that is a great offering, primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. It is uncorrupted, as it has been since the beginning. It’s not being corrupted now nor will it be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on it. This is the fourth kind of overflowing merit …

Idha, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako pāṇātipātaṁ pahāya pāṇātipātā paṭivirato hoti. Pāṇātipātā paṭivirato, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako aparimāṇānaṁ sattānaṁ abhayaṁ deti, averaṁ deti, abyābajjhaṁ deti. Aparimāṇānaṁ sattānaṁ abhayaṁ datvā averaṁ datvā abyābajjhaṁ datvā aparimāṇassa abhayassa averassa abyābajjhassa bhāgī hoti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, paṭhamaṁ dānaṁ mahādānaṁ aggaññaṁ rattaññaṁ vaṁsaññaṁ porāṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇapubbaṁ, na saṅkiyati na saṅkiyissati, appaṭikuṭṭhaṁ samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Ayaṁ, bhikkhave, catuttho puññābhisando kusalābhisando sukhassāhāro sovaggiko sukhavipāko saggasaṁvattaniko, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattati.

Furthermore, a noble disciple gives up stealing. … This is the fifth kind of overflowing merit …

Puna caparaṁ, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako adinnādānaṁ pahāya adinnādānā paṭivirato hoti …pe…

Furthermore, a noble disciple gives up sexual misconduct. … This is the sixth kind of overflowing merit …

kāmesumicchācāraṁ pahāya kāmesumicchācārā paṭivirato hoti …pe…

Furthermore, a noble disciple gives up lying. … This is the seventh kind of overflowing merit …

musāvādaṁ pahāya musāvādā paṭivirato hoti …pe…

Furthermore, a noble disciple gives up intoxicants of beer, wine, and liquor. By so doing they give to countless sentient beings the gift of freedom from fear, enmity, and ill will. And they themselves also enjoy unlimited freedom from fear, enmity, and ill will. This is the fifth gift that is a great offering, primordial, long-standing, customary, and traditional. It is uncorrupted, as it has been since the beginning. It’s not being corrupted now nor will it be. Sensible ascetics and brahmins don’t look down on it. This is the eighth kind of overflowing merit …

surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānaṁ pahāya surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato hoti. Surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā paṭivirato, bhikkhave, ariyasāvako aparimāṇānaṁ sattānaṁ abhayaṁ deti averaṁ deti abyābajjhaṁ deti. Aparimāṇānaṁ sattānaṁ abhayaṁ datvā averaṁ datvā abyābajjhaṁ datvā, aparimāṇassa abhayassa averassa abyābajjhassa bhāgī hoti. Idaṁ, bhikkhave, pañcamaṁ dānaṁ mahādānaṁ aggaññaṁ rattaññaṁ vaṁsaññaṁ porāṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇaṁ asaṅkiṇṇapubbaṁ, na saṅkiyati na saṅkiyissati, appaṭikuṭṭhaṁ samaṇehi brāhmaṇehi viññūhi. Ayaṁ kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭhamo puññābhisando kusalābhisando sukhassāhāro sovaggiko sukhavipāko saggasaṁvattaniko, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattati.

These are the eight kinds of overflowing merit, overflowing goodness. They nurture happiness and are conducive to heaven, ripening in happiness and leading to heaven. They lead to what is likable, desirable, agreeable, to welfare and happiness.”

Ime kho, bhikkhave, aṭṭha puññābhisandā kusalābhisandā sukhassāhārā sovaggikā sukhavipākā saggasaṁvattanikā, iṭṭhāya kantāya manāpāya hitāya sukhāya saṁvattantī”ti.

AN 8.40 · The Results of Misconduct

AN 8.40 · Duccaritavipākasutta

“Mendicants, the killing of living creatures, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is a short lifespan.

“Pāṇātipāto, bhikkhave, āsevito bhāvito bahulīkato nirayasaṁvattaniko tiracchānayonisaṁvattaniko pettivisayasaṁvattaniko. Yo sabbalahuso pāṇātipātassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa appāyukasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Stealing, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is loss of wealth.

Adinnādānaṁ, bhikkhave, āsevitaṁ bhāvitaṁ bahulīkataṁ nirayasaṁvattanikaṁ tiracchānayonisaṁvattanikaṁ pettivisayasaṁvattanikaṁ. Yo sabbalahuso adinnādānassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa bhogabyasanasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Sexual misconduct, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is rivalry and enmity.

Kāmesumicchācāro, bhikkhave, āsevito bhāvito bahulīkato nirayasaṁvattaniko tiracchānayonisaṁvattaniko pettivisayasaṁvattaniko. Yo sabbalahuso kāmesumicchācārassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa sapattaverasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Lying, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is false accusations.

Musāvādo, bhikkhave, āsevito bhāvito bahulīkato nirayasaṁvattaniko tiracchānayonisaṁvattaniko pettivisayasaṁvattaniko. Yo sabbalahuso musāvādassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa abhūtabbhakkhānasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Backbiting, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is being divided against friends.

Pisuṇā, bhikkhave, vācā āsevitā bhāvitā bahulīkatā nirayasaṁvattanikā tiracchānayonisaṁvattanikā pettivisayasaṁvattanikā. Yo sabbalahuso pisuṇāya vācāya vipāko, manussabhūtassa mittehi bhedanasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Harsh speech, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is hearing disagreeable things.

Pharusā, bhikkhave, vācā āsevitā bhāvitā bahulīkatā nirayasaṁvattanikā tiracchānayonisaṁvattanikā pettivisayasaṁvattanikā. Yo sabbalahuso pharusāya vācāya vipāko, manussabhūtassa amanāpasaddasaṁvattaniko hoti.

Talking nonsense, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is that no one takes what you say seriously.

Samphappalāpo, bhikkhave, āsevito bhāvito bahulīkato nirayasaṁvattaniko tiracchānayonisaṁvattaniko pettivisayasaṁvattaniko. Yo sabbalahuso samphappalāpassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa anādeyyavācāsaṁvattaniko hoti.

Drinking beer and wine, when cultivated, developed, and practiced, leads to hell, the animal realm, or the ghost realm. The minimum result it leads to for a human being is madness.”

Surāmerayapānaṁ, bhikkhave, āsevitaṁ bhāvitaṁ bahulīkataṁ nirayasaṁvattanikaṁ tiracchānayonisaṁvattanikaṁ pettivisayasaṁvattanikaṁ. Yo sabbalahuso surāmerayapānassa vipāko, manussabhūtassa ummattakasaṁvattaniko hotī”ti.