Aṇguttara Nikāya
VIII. Aṭṭhaka Nipāta
IV. Dāna Vagga
The Book of the Gradual Sayings
The Book of the Eights
IV: On Giving
Sutta 37
Sappurisa-Dāna Suttaṃ
The Worthy Man[1] (a)
Translated from the Pali by E.M. Hare.
Copyright The Pali Text Society
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Once the Exalted One was dwelling near Sāvatthī,
at Jeta Grove,
in Anāthapiṇḍika's Park.
There the Exalted One addressed the monks, saying:
"Monks."
"Yes, lord," they replied, and the Exalted One said:
"Monks, there are eight gifts of a good man.
What eight?
Monks, he gives clean (things),
what is choice,
proper,
at fitting times,
and with care;[2]
he gives repeatedly;
and giving calms his mind;
after giving he is glad.
Monks, these are the eight gifts of a good man.
Clean, choice and timely, proper drink and food
He gives in charity repeatedly
To them that live the life - fair field of merit -
Nor feels remorse at lavishing his gifts Of things
material. Gifts given thus
The seers[3] extol. And sacrificing thus -
Wise man, believer, with his heart set free -
I' the calm and happy world that sage is born.'
[1] Cf. A. iii, 172; below, p. 262.
[2] Cf. K.S. i, 30, n. 6; J, iv, 361 (viceyya).
[3] Vipassino.
