Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the Bhikshus: “How should donor benefactors serve and make offerings to the virtuous noble ones who are diligent in practice and uphold the Shila?”
The Bhikshus replied to the Bhagavaan: “Bhagavaan is the king of all Dharmas. We pray Bhagavaan to explain this meaning to the Bhikshus. Having heard, we shall wholeheartedly uphold it.”
The Bhagavaan told the Bhikshus: “Listen carefully! Listen carefully! Reflect well upon this, and I will explain the meaning to you.”
They replied: “So be it, Bhagavaan!”
Then the Bhikshus received the teaching from Budha.
The Bhagavaan said: “Donors who serve and make offerings to the learned ones who are diligent and uphold the precepts are like those who: show the path to the lost, provide food to the hungry, relieve the anxious from worry, calm the fearful, shelter the homeless, become eyes for the blind, and serve as healers for the sick.
Just as farmers tend their fields by removing weeds to produce abundant grain, so too should Bhikshus constantly eliminate the afflictions of the five aggregates to enter the fearless city of Nirvana.
Thus, O Bhikshus! Donors should serve, make offerings to, and give to the learned ones who are diligent and uphold the precepts.”
At that time, the elder Anaathapindidas was present in the assembly. He addressed the Bhagavaan: “Indeed, Bhagavaan! Truly, Tathaagata! All donors and recipients are like vessels of good fortune. Those who receive offerings are like King Vaishravana. Those who encourage giving are like loving parents. Those who receive offerings become blessings for future lives. All donors and recipients are like virtuous householders.”
The Bhagavaan replied: “It is so, elder! As you have said.”
Elder Anaathapindidas addressed the Bhagavaan: “From this day forward, my gates shall remain unguarded, and I shall never turn away Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upaasakas, Upaasikaas, or any travelers in need of food.”
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Then elder Anaathapindidas said: “May Bhagavaan and the Sangha accept this disciple’s invitation.” The Bhagavaan silently accepted the elder’s invitation.
Seeing the Bhagavaan’s silent acceptance, the elder circumambulated the Budha three times and returned home. That night he prepared various delicious foods and arranged seating, announcing: “The time has come, the meal is prepared. May Bhagavaan kindly grace us with your presence.”
The Bhagavaan, robed and carrying his bowl, led the Bhikshus to Shraavastii to the elder’s home. Seated properly, they received various foods served personally by the elder. After the meal, the elder took a lower seat before the Tathaagata to hear the Dharma.
The elder addressed Bhagavaan: “Excellent, Tathaagata! May all Bhikshus take from my home whatever they need – robes, bowls, needle cases, sitting mats, belts, water filters, and all other monastic requisites.”
The Bhagavaan told the Bhikshus: “When you need robes, bowls, sitting mats, water filters or other monastic items, you may take them here without hesitation or attachment.”
The Bhagavaan then taught the elder profound Dharma. After this teaching, he rose and departed.
At that time, Anaathapindidas established charitable giving at the four city gates, in the marketplace, and at his home – providing food, drink, vehicles, music, incense, and garlands to all in need.
Hearing of Anaathapindidas generosity, the Bhagavaan declared: “Among my lay disciples, this elder Sudata is foremost in joyful giving.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.