Once upon a time, there was a band of robbers who divided their boot according to their different ranks. Among the belongings, there was a Benares Kambala, the color of which left much to be desired. It was considered as an inferior part to be given to one of the robbers of the lowest rank. The robber got angry and made a strong protest to the rest.
Afterwards, he brought it to the city for sale. An honorable elderly man paid him a high price. He ended up getting more money than any other robber in the band. He then leaped for joy.
This is held to be true with the almsgiving. People who are doing almsgiving, are usually not aware whether there will be a retribution. Be it ever so little they are doing it, they, after death, go to Heaven to enjoy an unlimited amount of happiness. The less they do, the more they get. They will then regret for not having done enough.
This is just like the robber who was happy after he had got a top price for his Kambala.
昔有群贼共行劫盗，多取财物，即共分之。等以为分，唯有鹿野钦婆罗色不纯好，以为下分，与最劣者。下劣者得之恚恨，谓呼大失。至城卖之，诸贵长者多与其价，一人所得倍于众伴，方乃欢喜，踊悦无量。
犹如世人不知布施有报无报，而行少施，得生天上，受无量乐，方更悔恨，悔不广施，如钦婆罗后得大价，乃生欢喜。施亦如是，少作多得，尔乃自庆，恨不益为。
Comments