A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

28: Heedful
SN 1.1.32 Maccharisuttaṁ
Selfishness and Selflessness
Two verses by two different gods spoken before
the Buddha on the subject of generosity. The
Buddha commends them.
541. Yasseva bhīto na dadāti maccharī,
tad-evādadato bhayaṁ,
Jighacchā ca pipāsā ca, yassa bhāyati maccharī,
Tam-eva bālaṁ phusati asmiṁ loke paramhi ca.
Selfish people are full of fear
Because of that they do not give,
But from not giving there is fear.
Hunger and thirst the selfish fear,
But that is just what the foolish
Attain in this world and the next.
542. Appasmeke pavecchanti, bahuneke na dicchare,
Appasmā dakkhiṇā dinnā, sahassena samaṁ mitā.
Some give from the little they have,
Some do not give from abundance,
Having given from a little,
It is equal to a thousand.
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