THE SERMON ON CHARITY

  ANATHAPINDIKA rejoiced at the words of the Blessed One and said: I

dwell at Savatthi, the capital of Kosala, a land rich in produce and

enjoying peace. Pasenadi is the king of the country, and his name is

renowned among our own people and our neighbors. Now I wish to found

there a vihara which shall be a place of religious devotion for your

brotherhood, and I pray you kindly to accept it."

  The Buddha saw into the heart of the supporter of orphans; and

knowing that unselfish charity was the moving cause of his offer, in

acceptance of the gift, the Blessed One said: "The charitable man is

loved by all; his friendship is prized highly; in death his heart is

at rest and full of joy, for he suffers not from repentance; he

receives the opening flower of his reward and the fruit that ripens

from it. Hard it is to understand: By giving away our food, we get

more strength, by bestowing clothing on others, we gain more beauty;

by donating abodes of purity and truth, we acquire great treasures.

  "There is a proper time and a proper mode in charity; just as the

vigorous warrior goes to battle, so is the man who is able to give. He

is like an able warrior a champion strong and wise in action. Loving

and compassionate he gives with reverence and banishes all hatred,

envy, and anger.

  "The charitable man has found the path of salvation. He is like

the man who plants a sapling, securing thereby the shade, the flowers,

and the fruit in future years. Even so is the result of charity,

even so is the joy of him who helps those that are in need of

assistance; even so is the great Nirvana. We reach the immortal path

only by continuous acts of kindliness and we perfect our souls by

compassion and charity."

  Anathapindika invited Sariputta to accompany him on his return to

Kosala and help him in selecting a pleasant site for the vihara.