Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, Bhagavaan said to the bhikshus, “There are two types of people to whom it is difficult to teach the Dharma. Who are these two?
It is difficult to teach the Dharma of faith to someone who lacks faith, and it is difficult to teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is stingy.
If, bhikshus, you teach the Dharma of faith to someone who lacks faith, they will become angry and develop harmful thoughts, just like a fierce dog that becomes even more aggressive when its nose is injured. Similarly, bhikshus, when you teach the Dharma of faith to someone who lacks faith, they will become angry and develop harmful thoughts.
If, bhikshus, you teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is stingy, they will become angry and develop harmful thoughts, just like an unripe boil that causes unbearable pain when cut with a knife. Similarly, bhikshus, when you teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is stingy, they will become even more angry and develop harmful thoughts.
These are the two types of people to whom it is difficult to teach the Dharma.
“Furthermore, bhikshus, there are two types of people to whom it is easy to teach the Dharma. Who are these two?
It is easy to teach the Dharma of faith to someone who has faith, and it is easy to teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is not stingy.
If, bhikshus, you teach the Dharma of faith to someone who has faith, they will rejoice and not regret it, just like a sick person who is given medicine and recovers. Similarly, bhikshus, when you teach the Dharma of faith to someone who has faith, they will rejoice and their mind will not change.
If you teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is not stingy, they will rejoice and not regret it, just like a handsome man or woman who, after washing their face and hands, is offered beautiful flowers and fine clothes, and upon receiving them, feels even greater joy. Similarly, bhikshus, when you teach the Dharma of generosity to someone who is not stingy, they will rejoice and not regret it.
These are the two types of people to whom it is easy to teach the Dharma. Therefore, bhikshus, you should cultivate faith and practice generosity, avoiding stinginess. Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.