A True Person (AN8.38)

Numbered Discourses 8.38

4. Giving

A True Person

“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.

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. …

A wise person living at home

benefits many people.

Neither by day or at night do they neglect

their mother, father, and ancestors.

They venerate them in accord with the teaching,

remembering what they have done.

One of settled faith and good nature

venerates the homeless renunciates,

the mendicant spiritual practitioners,

knowing their good-hearted qualities.

Good for the king, good for the gods,

and good for relatives and comrades.

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.”