The Perfection of Giving (7th)

“Then again when I was

the true-born son of the One King

in the city of flowers, Pupphavatī,

I was called Prince Canda, the Moon.

Then, released from being sacrificed, ^[1]

I fled the sacrificial enclosure.

Giving rise to a sense of urgency,

I performed a great offering.

I did not drink, I did not eat,

I did not enjoy any food

for five or six days

without offering to a worthy recipient.

Suppose there was a merchant

who had made a store of goods.

They would take those goods

to where they could make a large profit.

So too, even giving what one has used oneself

to others is very fruitful.

That is why what is to be given to others

multiplies a hundredfold.

Knowing the reason for this,

I gave gifts in life after life.

Aiming for awakening,

I never backtracked from giving.”