Sutta 6: The Five Virtues of a Benefactor

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a01] Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha (佛 [fu]) was in the Mahavana (摩訶婆那園 [mo he po na yuan]) in Vaishali (毘舍離 [pi she li]), accompanied by a great assembly of five hundred Bhikkhus (大比丘眾五百人 [da bi qiu zhong wu bai ren]).

[0826a01] wén rú shì:

yī shí, fú zài pí shě lí mó hē pó nà yuán zhōng, yǔ dà bǐ qiū zhòng wǔ bǎi rén jù.

[0826a01] wen ru shi:

yi shi, fu zai pi she li mo he po na yuan zhong, yu da bi qiu zhong wu bai ren ju.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a02] At that time, General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]) went to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), prostrated himself at his feet, and sat to one side. Then, the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) said to the General (大將 [da jiang]): "A Benefactor (施主檀越 [shi zhu tan yue]) has five virtues (五功德 [wu gong de]). What are the five?

[0826a02] ěr shí, shī zi dà jiāng biàn wǎng zhì shì zūn suǒ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, zài yī miàn zuò. ěr shí, rú lái gào dà jiāng yuē: “shī zhǔ tán yuè yǒu wǔ gōng dé. yún hé wèi wǔ?

[0826a02] er shi, shi zi da jiang bian wang zhi shi zun suo, tou mian li zu, zai yi mian zuo. er shi, ru lai gao da jiang yue: "shi zhu tan yue you wu gong de. yun he wei wu?

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a05] "Firstly, Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]), the Benefactor's (施主 [shi zhu]) reputation (名聞 [ming wen]) spreads far and wide. 'In a certain village (某甲村 [mou jia cun]), there is such a benevolent donor (好施之人 [hao shi zhi ren]), who helps the poor and needy, without any stinginess.' This, Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]), is the first virtue (第一功德 [di yi gong de]) attained by a Benefactor (施主 [shi zhu]).

[0826a05] “yú shì, shī zhǔ míng wén yuǎn bù, mǒu jiǎ cūn zhōng yǒu cǐ hǎo shī zhī rén, zhōu qióng jì fá, wú yǒu ài xī, shì wèi, shī zi dà jiāng, dì yī gōng dé shī zhǔ suǒ zhì.

[0826a05] "yu shi, shi zhu ming wen yuan bu, mou jia cun zhong you ci hao shi zhi ren, zhou qiong ji fa, wu you ai xi, shi wei, shi zi da jiang, di yi gong de shi zhu suo zhi.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a07] "Furthermore, Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]), if a Benefactor (施主檀越 [shi zhu tan yue]) goes among the Kshatriya (剎利眾 [sha li zhong]), Brahman (婆羅門眾 [po luo men zhong]), or Sramana (沙門眾 [sha men zhong]) assemblies, they have no fear (無所畏 [wu suo wei]) and no difficulties (無疑難 [wu yi nan]). This, Simha (師子 [shi zi])! is the second virtue (第二功德 [di er gong de]).

[0826a07] “fù cì, shī zi dà jiāng, shī zhǔ tán yuè ruò zhì shā lì zhòng,, pó luó mén zhòng,, shā mén zhòng zhōng, jiē wú suǒ wèi, yì wú yí nán, shì wèi, shī zi! dì èr gōng dé.

[0826a07] "fu ci, shi zi da jiang, shi zhu tan yue ruo zhi sha li zhong,, po luo men zhong,, sha men zhong zhong, jie wu suo wei, yi wu yi nan, shi wei, shi zi! di er gong de.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a10] "Furthermore, a Benefactor (施主檀越 [shi zhu tan yue]) is loved and remembered by many people (多為人所愛念 [duo wei ren suo ai nian]). They are universally respected and looked up to, like a child loves its mother, with their hearts inseparable. A Benefactor (施主 [shi zhu]) is likewise loved by many people (多為人所愛 [duo wei ren suo ai]).

[0826a10] “fù cì, shī zhǔ tán yuè duō wèi rén suǒ ài niàn, pǔ lái zōng yǎng, rú zi ài mǔ, qí xīn bù xiāng lí, shī zhǔ yì fù rú shì, duō wèi rén suǒ ài.

[0826a10] "fu ci, shi zhu tan yue duo wei ren suo ai nian, pu lai zong yang, ru zi ai mu, qi xin bu xiang li, shi zhu yi fu ru shi, duo wei ren suo ai.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a12] "Furthermore, Simha (師子 [shi zi])! When a Benefactor (施主檀越 [shi zhu tan yue]) practices Dana (布施 [bu shi]), they develop a joyful mind (歡喜心 [huan xi xin]). With joy (歡喜 [huan xi]), there is delight (悅豫 [yue yu]), and their will is firm (意性堅固 [yi xing jian gu]). At that time, they realize for themselves that there is happiness and suffering, and they also repent, truly knowing themselves. How do they know themselves? They truly know the Truth of Suffering (苦諦 [ku di]), the Truth of the Origin of Suffering (苦習 [ku xi]), the Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (苦盡 [ku jin]), and the Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (出要諦 [chu yao di])."

[0826a12] “fù cì, shī zi! shī zhǔ tán yuè bù shī zhī shí, fā huān xǐ xīn, yǐ yǒu huān xǐ jí yǒu yuè yù, yì xìng jiān gù, shì shí biàn zì jué yǒu lè yǒu kǔ, yì biàn huǐ, rú shí ér zì zhī. yún hé zì zhī, zhī yǒu kǔ dì,, kǔ xí,, kǔ jǐn,, chū yào dì, rú shí zhī zhī.”

[0826a12] "fu ci, shi zi! shi zhu tan yue bu shi zhi shi, fa huan xi xin, yi you huan xi ji you yue yu, yi xing jian gu, shi shi bian zi jue you le you ku, yi bian hui, ru shi er zi zhi. yun he zi zhi, zhi you ku di,, ku xi,, ku jin,, chu yao di, ru shi zhi zhi."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a16] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) spoke this Gatha (偈 [ji]):

"Dana (施 [shi]) is the means for all merits (眾福 [zhong fu]),
And thereby attains the ultimate truth (第一義 [di yi yi]).
One who can remember Dana (施 [shi])
Will then develop a joyful mind (歡喜心 [huan xi xin])."

[0826a16] ěr shí, shì zūn biàn shuō sī jì:

“shī wèi zhòng fú jù,　　ér dǎi dì yī yì,
　qí néng yì shī zhě,　　biàn fā huān xǐ xīn.

[0826a16] er shi, shi zun bian shuo si ji:

"shi wei zhong fu ju, er dai di yi yi,
qi neng yi shi zhe, bian fa huan xi xin.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a19] "Furthermore, Elder Simha (師子長者 [shi zi zhang zhe])! When a Benefactor (施主檀越 [shi zhu tan yue]) practices Dana (布施 [bu shi]), after the dissolution of the body and the end of life (身壞命終 [shen huai ming zhong]), they are reborn in the Trayastrimsa Heaven (三十三天 [san shi san tian]), and moreover possess five things superior to those Devas (諸天 [zhu tian]). What are the five? Firstly, noble appearance and majestic light (顏貌豪貴 [yan mao hao gui]，威神光明 [wei shen guang ming]); secondly, their wishes are fulfilled freely, and nothing is unaccomplished (所欲自在 [suo yu zi zai]，無事不果 [wu shi bu guo]); thirdly, if the Benefactor (檀越施主 [tan yue shi zhu]) is born among humans (人中者 [ren zhong zhe]), they are born into wealthy and noble families (富貴家 [fu gui jia]); fourthly, they possess abundant wealth and treasures (饒財多寶 [rao cai duo bao]); and fifthly, their words are heeded (言從語用 [yan cong yu yong]). This, Simha (師子 [shi zi])! is how a Benefactor (檀越 [tan yue]) has these five virtues (五功德 [wu gong de]) that lead to the good path (善道 [shan dao])."

[0826a19] “fù cì, shī zi zhǎng zhě! shī zhǔ tán yuè bù shī zhī shí, shēn huài mìng zhōng, shēng sān shí sān tiān, yòu yǒu wǔ shì shèng bǐ zhū tiān. yún hé wèi wǔ? yī zhě yán mào háo guì, wēi shén guāng míng； èr zhě suǒ yù zì zài, wú shì bù guǒ； sān zhě ruò tán yuè shī zhǔ shēng rén zhōng zhě, zhí fù guì jiā； sì zhě ráo cái duō bǎo； wǔ zhě yán cóng yǔ yòng. shì wèi, shī zi! tán yuè yǒu cǐ wǔ gōng dé yǐn rù shàn dào.”

[0826a19] "fu ci, shi zi zhang zhe! shi zhu tan yue bu shi zhi shi, shen huai ming zhong, sheng san shi san tian, you you wu shi sheng bi zhu tian. yun he wei wu? yi zhe yan mao hao gui, wei shen guang ming; er zhe suo yu zi zai, wu shi bu guo; san zhe ruo tan yue shi zhu sheng ren zhong zhe, zhi fu gui jia; si zhe rao cai duo bao; wu zhe yan cong yu yong. shi wei, shi zi! tan yue you ci wu gong de yin ru shan dao."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a24] At that time, General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]), hearing what the Buddha (佛 [fu]) had said, rejoiced immensely and could not contain himself. He stepped forward and said to the Buddha (佛 [fu]): "May the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) and the Bhikkhu Sangha (比丘僧 [bi qiu seng]) accept my invitation."

[0826a24] ěr shí, shī zi dà jiāng wén fú suǒ shuō, huān xǐ yǒng yuè, bù néng zì shèng, qián bái fú yán: “wéi yuàn shì zūn jí bǐ qiū sēng dāng shòu wǒ qǐng.”

[0826a24] er shi, shi zi da jiang wen fu suo shuo, huan xi yong yue, bu neng zi sheng, qian bai fu yan: "wei yuan shi zun ji bi qiu seng dang shou wo qing."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826a27] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) silently accepted the invitation. When General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]) saw that the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) had silently accepted the invitation, he immediately rose from his seat, prostrated himself at his feet, and then withdrew. He returned home, prepared various kinds of food and drink, and arranged good seats. He then announced: "It is time, now is the right time. May the Great Sage (大聖 [da sheng]) mercifully visit."

[0826a27] ěr shí, shì zūn mò rán shòu qǐng. shí, shī zi dà jiāng yǐ jiàn shì zūn mò rán shòu qǐng, jí cóng zuò qǐ, tóu miàn lǐ zú, biàn tuì ér qù, hái zhì jiā zhōng, bàn jù zhǒng zhǒng yǐn shí, fū hǎo zuò jù, jí bái: “shí zhì, jīn zhèng shì shí, wéi yuàn dà shèng chuí mǐn lín gù.”

[0826a27] er shi, shi zun mo ran shou qing. shi, shi zi da jiang yi jian shi zun mo ran shou qing, ji cong zuo qi, tou mian li zu, bian tui er qu, hai zhi jia zhong, ban ju zhong zhong yin shi, fu hao zuo ju, ji bai: "shi zhi, jin zheng shi shi, wei yuan da sheng chui min lin gu."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826b01] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), when it was time, put on his robes and took his alms bowl (鉢 [bo]), accompanied by the assembly of Bhikkhus (諸比丘眾 [zhu bi qiu zhong]), surrounded by them, went to the General's (大將 [da jiang]) house and sat down in order. Then, General Simha (師子將軍 [shi zi jiang jun]), seeing that the Buddha (佛 [fu]) and the Bhikkhu Sangha (比丘僧 [bi qiu seng]) were seated in order, personally served various kinds of food and drink. At that time, as the General (大將 [da jiang]) was serving the food, Devas (諸天 [zhu tian]) in the sky announced to him: "This is an Arhat (阿羅漢 [a luo han]), this person is approaching Arhatship (向阿羅漢 [xiang a luo han]), giving Dana (施 [shi]) to this one brings much merit (得福多 [de fu duo]), giving Dana (施 [shi]) to this one brings little merit (得福少 [de fu shao]), this is an Anagami (阿那含 [a na han]), this person is approaching Anagami (向阿那含 [xiang a na han]), this person is a Sakadagami (斯陀含 [si tuo han]), this person is approaching Sakadagami (向斯陀含道 [xiang si tuo han dao]), this person is a Srotapanna (須陀洹 [xu tuo huan]), this person is approaching Srotapanna (向須陀洹道 [xiang xu tuo huan dao]), this person will return for seven lives (七生往返 [qi sheng wang fan]), this person for one life (一生 [yi sheng]), this one has faith (持信 [chi xin]), this one practices the Dharma (奉法 [feng fa]), this one is sharp-witted (利根 [li gen]), this one is dull-witted (鈍根 [dun gen]), this one is humble (下卑 [xia bei]), this one is diligent in upholding precepts (精進持戒 [jing jin chi jie]), this one has violated precepts (犯戒 [fan jie]), giving Dana (施 [shi]) to this person brings much merit (得福多 [de fu duo]), giving Dana (施 [shi]) to this person brings little merit (得福少 [de fu shao])."

[0826b01] ěr shí, shì zūn dào shí, zhe yī chí bō, jiāng zhū bǐ qiū zhòng, qián hòu wéi rào, zhì dà jiāng jiā, gè cì dì zuò. ěr shí, shī zi jiāng jūn jiàn fú jí bǐ qiū sēng yǐ cì dì zuò, shǒu zì zhēn zhuó xíng zhǒng zhǒng yǐn shí. ěr shí, dà jiāng xíng shí zhī shí, zhū tiān zài xū kōng zhōng ér gào zhī yuē: “cǐ shì ā luó hàn, sī rén xiàng ā luó hàn, shī cǐ dé fú duō, shī cǐ dé fú shǎo, cǐ shì ā nà hán, cǐ rén xiàng ā nà hán, cǐ rén shì sī tuó hán, sī rén xiàng sī tuó hán dào, cǐ rén shì xū tuó huán, sī rén xiàng xū tuó huán dào, shì rén qī shēng wǎng fǎn, cǐ rén yī shēng, shì chí xìn, cǐ rén fèng fǎ, cǐ shì lì gēn, cǐ shì dùn gēn, cǐ rén xià bēi, cǐ rén jīng jìn chí jiè, cǐ rén fàn jiè, shī cǐ rén dé fú duō, shī cǐ rén dé fú shǎo.”

[0826b01] er shi, shi zun dao shi, zhe yi chi bo, jiang zhu bi qiu zhong, qian hou wei rao, zhi da jiang jia, ge ci di zuo. er shi, shi zi jiang jun jian fu ji bi qiu seng yi ci di zuo, shou zi zhen zhuo xing zhong zhong yin shi. er shi, da jiang xing shi zhi shi, zhu tian zai xu kong zhong er gao zhi yue: "ci shi a luo han, si ren xiang a luo han, shi ci de fu duo, shi ci de fu shao, ci shi a na han, ci ren xiang a na han, ci ren shi si tuo han, si ren xiang si tuo han dao, ci ren shi xu tuo huan, si ren xiang xu tuo huan dao, shi ren qi sheng wang fan, ci ren yi sheng, shi chi xin, ci ren feng fa, ci shi li gen, ci shi dun gen, ci ren xia bei, ci ren jing jin chi jie, ci ren fan jie, shi ci ren de fu duo, shi ci ren de fu shao."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826b12] At that time, General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]), having heard the words of the Devas (諸天 [zhu tian]), did not take them to heart. When he saw that the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) had finished eating and had removed the alms bowl (鉢器 [bo qi]), he took a smaller seat and sat in front of the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]). Then, General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang]) said to the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]): "Just now, some Devas (諸天 [zhu tian]) came to me and told me: 'From Arhats (羅漢 [luo han]) to those who have violated precepts (犯戒 [fan jie]).' I have fully reported it to the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]). Although I heard these words, I did not take them to heart, nor did I entertain the thought: 'I should abandon this one and give to that one, or abandon that one and give to this one.' However, I did have this thought: 'I should give Dana (施 [shi]) to all living beings (一切眾生 [yi qie zhong sheng]), to all embodied beings (有形之類 [you xing zhi lei]), who exist by food, and perish without food. I personally heard the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) speak this Gatha (偈 [ji]), and it is always in my heart and I do not forget it.' What is this Gatha (偈 [ji])?

"''Dana (施 [shi]) should be universally equal (普平等 [pu ping deng]),
Never rejecting anyone.
One will certainly meet saints and sages (聖賢 [sheng xian]),
And by this, attain deliverance.'

[0826b12] ěr shí, shī zi dà jiāng wén zhū tiān yǔ yǐ, yì bù jīng huái, jiàn rú lái shí yǐ qì, chú qù bō qì, gèng qǔ xiǎo zuò, rú lái qián zuò. ěr shí, shī zi dà jiāng bái shì zūn yán: “wǒ xiàng zhě yǒu zhū tiān lái zhì wǒ suǒ, ér gào zhī yuē: ‘cóng luó hàn, zhì fàn jiè.’ jiē jù bái rú lái. suī wén sī yán, yì bù jīng huái, yì bù shēng cǐ niàn: ‘wǒ dāng shě cǐ shī bǐ, shě bǐ shī cǐ.’ rán wǒ fù shēng sī niàn: ‘yīng shī yī qiè zhòng shēng, yǒu xíng zhī lèi, yóu shí ér cún, wú shí zé sàng, wǒ gōng zì cóng rú lái wén shuō sī jì, héng zài xīn huái ér bù wàng shī. yún hé míng wèi jì:

“ ‘ “shī dāng pǔ píng děng,　　zhōng bù yǒu suǒ nì,
　　　bì dāng yù shèng xián,　　yuán sī ér dé dù.”

[0826b12] er shi, shi zi da jiang wen zhu tian yu yi, yi bu jing huai, jian ru lai shi yi qi, chu qu bo qi, geng qu xiao zuo, ru lai qian zuo. er shi, shi zi da jiang bai shi zun yan: "wo xiang zhe you zhu tian lai zhi wo suo, er gao zhi yue: 'cong luo han, zhi fan jie.' jie ju bai ru lai. sui wen si yan, yi bu jing huai, yi bu sheng ci nian: 'wo dang she ci shi bi, she bi shi ci.' ran wo fu sheng si nian: 'ying shi yi qie zhong sheng, you xing zhi lei, you shi er cun, wu shi ze sang, wo gong zi cong ru lai wen shuo si ji, heng zai xin huai er bu wang shi. yun he ming wei ji:

" ' "shi dang pu ping deng, zhong bu you suo ni,
bi dang yu sheng xian, yuan si er de du."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826b24] "'This, World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun])! is what the Gatha (偈 [ji]) says.' I personally heard it from the Tathagata (如來 [ru lai]) and always remember to practice it."

[0826b24] “ ‘shì wèi, shì zūn! sī jì suǒ shuō.’ wǒ gōng cóng rú lái wén zhī, héng niàn fèng xíng.”

[0826b24] " 'shi wei, shi zun! si ji suo shuo.' wo gong cong ru lai wen zhi, heng nian feng xing."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826b25] The Buddha (佛 [fu]) said to the General (大將 [da jiang]): "Excellent! This is called the mind of a Bodhisattva (菩薩之心 [pu sa zhi xin]), giving Dana (惠施 [hui shi]) equally. When a Bodhisattva (菩薩 [pu sa]) practices Dana (布施 [bu shi]), they do not entertain the thought: 'I should give to this one, and set aside that one.' They always give Dana (惠施 [hui shi]) equally, and they also have this thought: 'All living beings (一切眾生 [yi qie zhong sheng]) exist by food, and perish without food.' When a Bodhisattva (菩薩 [pu sa]) practices Dana (行施 [xing shi]), they also reflect on this action." Then he spoke this Gatha (偈 [ji]):

"When people cultivate their actions,
Whether evil or good,
They themselves receive the retribution (受報 [shou bao]),
Their actions never diminish.
As a person seeks their actions,
They immediately receive their consequences.
Doing good brings good,
Doing evil brings evil retribution.
Evil and good,
Depend on what a person practices.
Like planting five grains,
Each yields its own fruit."

[0826b25] fú gào dà jiāng: “shàn zāi! sī míng pú sà zhī xīn, píng děng huì shī. ruò pú sà bù shī zhī shí, yì bù shēng cǐ niàn: ‘wǒ dāng yǔ cǐ, zhì cǐ.’ héng yǒu píng děng ér huì shī, yì fù yǒu cǐ niàn: ‘yī qiè zhòng shēng yǒu shí zé cún, wú shí zé wáng.’ pú sà xíng shī zhī shí, yì fù sī wéi cǐ yè.” biàn shuō sī jì:

“fū rén xiū qí xíng,　　xíng è jí qí shàn,
　bǐ bǐ zì shòu bào,　　xíng zhōng bù shuāi hào.
　rú rén xún qí xíng,　　jí shòu qí guǒ bào,
　wèi shàn huò qí shàn,　　zuò è shòu è bào.
　wèi è jí qí shàn,　　suí rén zhī suǒ xí,
　rú shì zhǒng wǔ gǔ,　　gè huò qí guǒ shí.

[0826b25] fu gao da jiang: "shan zai! si ming pu sa zhi xin, ping deng hui shi. ruo pu sa bu shi zhi shi, yi bu sheng ci nian: 'wo dang yu ci, zhi ci.' heng you ping deng er hui shi, yi fu you ci nian: 'yi qie zhong sheng you shi ze cun, wu shi ze wang.' pu sa xing shi zhi shi, yi fu si wei ci ye." bian shuo si ji:

"fu ren xiu qi xing, xing e ji qi shan,
bi bi zi shou bao, xing zhong bu shuai hao.
ru ren xun qi xing, ji shou qi guo bao,
wei shan huo qi shan, zuo e shou e bao.
wei e ji qi shan, sui ren zhi suo xi,
ru shi zhong wu gu, ge huo qi guo shi.

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826c07] "General Simha (師子大將 [shi zi da jiang])! By this skillful means, know that good and evil each have their own actions. Why is that? From the initial aspiration (初發意 [chu fa yi]) to the attainment of enlightenment (成道 [cheng dao]), the mind neither increases nor decreases, it does not choose people, nor does it observe the place. Therefore, Simha (師子 [shi zi])! When you wish to give Dana (惠施 [hui shi]), always remember equality, and do not arouse thoughts of right and wrong. Thus, Simha (師子 [shi zi])! You should train yourself in this way."

[0826c07] “shī zi dà jiāng! dāng yǐ cǐ fāng biàn, zhī shàn è gè yǒu qí xíng. suǒ yǐ rán zhě, cóng chū fā yì zhì yú chéng dào, xīn wú zēng jiǎn, bù xuǎn zé rén, yì bù guān qí de. shì gù, shī zi! ruò yù huì shī zhī shí, héng niàn píng děng, wù xìng shì fēi zhī xīn. rú shì, shī zi! dāng zuò shì xué.”

[0826c07] "shi zi da jiang! dang yi ci fang bian, zhi shan e ge you qi xing. suo yi ran zhe, cong chu fa yi zhi yu cheng dao, xin wu zeng jian, bu xuan ze ren, yi bu guan qi de. shi gu, shi zi! ruo yu hui shi zhi shi, heng nian ping deng, wu xing shi fei zhi xin. ru shi, shi zi! dang zuo shi xue."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826c11] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]) also spoke a blessing:

"Dana (施 [shi]) is loved by people (人所愛 [ren suo ai]),
Praised by the multitude.
Wherever one goes, there are no difficulties (無疑難 [wu yi nan]),
Nor is there any jealousy (嫉妬心 [ji du xin]).
Therefore, the wise give Dana (施 [shi]),
Removing all evil thoughts (諸惡想 [zhu e xiang]),
For a long time they will reach good places (善處 [shan chu]),
Praised by all Devas (諸天所嘉歎 [zhu tian suo jia tan])."

[0826c11] ěr shí, shì zūn fù shuō chèn yuē:

“shī huān rén suǒ ài,　　zhòng rén suǒ chēng tàn,
　suǒ zhì wú yí nán,　　yì wú jí dù xīn.
　shì gù zhì zhě shī,　　chú qù zhū è xiǎng,
　zhǎng yè zhì shàn chù,　　zhū tiān suǒ jiā tàn.”

[0826c11] er shi, shi zun fu shuo chen yue:

"shi huan ren suo ai, zhong ren suo cheng tan,
suo zhi wu yi nan, yi wu ji du xin.
shi gu zhi zhe shi, chu qu zhu e xiang,
zhang ye zhi shan chu, zhu tian suo jia tan."

[The following represents an unverified English translation. For all purposes consult the original Chinese text.]

[0826c17] At that time, the World-Honored One (世尊 [shi zun]), having spoken these words, rose from his seat and departed.

At that time, Simha (師子 [shi zi]), hearing what the Buddha (佛 [fu]) had said, rejoiced and respectfully practiced it.

[0826c17] ěr shí, shì zūn shuō sī yǔ yǐ, biàn cóng zuò qǐ ér qù.

ěr shí, shī zi wén fú suǒ shuō, huān xǐ fèng xíng.

[0826c17] er shi, shi zun shuo si yu yi, bian cong zuo qi er qu.

er shi, shi zi wen fu suo shuo, huan xi feng xing.