17.9 Of the Order and the Fruit of Giving

Controverted Point: That it should not be said that “a thing given to the Order brings great reward”.

The reason and the adherents as above.

Similar to Kv 17.6 PTS CS 17.6.1.

Theravādin: And was it not said by the Exalted One:

“Give, lady of the Gotamas, to the Order. In that giving thou shalt also render honour to me and to the Order”?

Again, was it not said to the Exalted One by Sakka, ruler of the gods:

“Of men who bring their offerings,
Of creatures who for merit seek,
Makers of merit for fair doom:
Where must they give to reap reward?

The four who practise in the Paths,
The four established in the Fruits:
Such is the Order upright, true,
By wisdom and by virtue stayed.
Of men who bring their offerings,
Of creatures who for merit seek.
Makers of merit for fair doom,
Who to the Order make their gift:
Theirs is't to reap a rich reward”.

“This Order sooth abounds and is grown great.
In measure as the waters of the sea,
These be the valiant students, best of men,
Light-bringers they who do the Norm proclaim.
They who because of them do give their gifts,
Oblations fair, and seemly sacrifice,
They to the Order loyal, firm in faith,
Commended by the wise, win great reward.
And mindful thenceforth of the offerings made,
Joy is their heritage while in this world.

Thereafter, conquerors of selfishness
And of the root thereof, free from all blame,
Lo! to a brighter world they win their way?”

Hence surely a thing given to the Order brings great reward.