Aṅguttara Nikāya
VIII. Aṭṭhaka Nipāta
IV. Dāna Vagga

The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha
VIII. The Book of the Eights
IV. Giving

Sutta 37

Sappurisa-Dāna Suttaɱ

The Good Person's Gifts

Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi.

© 2012 Bhikkhu Bodhi
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[243] [1172]

[1][pts]"Bhikkhus, there are these eight gifts of a good person.

What eight?

[244] (1) He gives what is pure;

(2) he gives what is excellent;

(3) he gives a timely gift;

(4) he gives what is allowable;

(5) he gives after investigation;

(6) he gives often;

(7) while giving he settles his mind in confidence; and

(8) having given, he is elated.

These are the eight gifts of a good person."

He gives what is pure and excellent,
allowable drinks and food at the proper time;
he gives gifts often to fertile fields of merit,
to those who lead the spiritual life.

He does not feel regret,
having given away many material things.
Those with deep insight praise
the gifts given in this way.

Having thus practiced charity
with a mind freely generous,
one intelligent and wise, rich in faith,
is reborn in a pleasant, unafflicted world.