The Book of the Eights

IV: On Giving

[236] [161]

Thus have I heard:

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 these eight grounds for giving.

What eight?

One gives alms out of impulse;¹

one gives out of exasperation;

one gives under a misapprehension;²

one gives from fear;³

one gives thinking:

"That was previously given and done by my ancestors.

I am not the man to let the ancient family tradition fall into disuse";

or,

"When I have given this gift I shall,
on the breaking up of the body after death,
be reborn in the blissful heaven-world

or,

"From this gift of mine,
my heart finds peace;
joy and gladness are gotten";

or, he gives to enrich and mellow his heart.

Monks, these are the eight grounds for giving.

¹ Chanda. Comy. pema, so perhaps affection.

² Moha.

³ The text reads bhaya; but the Comy. garaha, blame.