[204] 6. This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant — so I have heard:
"Bhikkhus, if beings knew, as I know, the result (vipāka) of giving (dāna) and sharing (saṃvibhāga), they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of stinginess (macchera-mala) persist overpowering their minds (citta). Even that which was their last morsel, their last mouthful — they would not eat even from that without having shared it, if there were any to receive it. But because, bhikkhus, beings do not know, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, therefore they eat without having given, and the stain of stinginess persists overpowering their minds."
The Blessed One spoke this meaning; and in that connection it is said:
"If beings only knew — as it has been declared by the Great Seer (mahesi) —
the result of sharing, how it is of great fruit,
then, having dispelled the stain of stinginess, with a clear and confident mind,
they would give in due season to the noble ones, where what is given bears great fruit.
Having given food in abundance, an offering (dakkhiṇā) to those worthy of offerings (dakkhiṇeyya),
the givers, passing away from here, from the human state, go to heaven (sagga);
and gone to heaven, they rejoice there, enjoying the sensual pleasures they desire;
free from stinginess, they experience the result of sharing."
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One; so I have heard.
The Sixth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.