When one has faith in the
Tathagata,
Unshakable and well established,
And good conduct built on virtue,
Dear to the Noble ones and praised;
When one has confidence in the Sangha
And view that has been rectified,
They say, that one is not poor then,
That one's life has not been in vain!
Therefore the person of intelligence,
Remembering the Buddha's Teaching,
Should be devoted to faith and purity,
To confidence and vision in the Dhamma!
Just as the many rivers used by hosts of people,
Flowing downstream finally reach the ocean,
As the rivers carry their waters to the sea.
The great mass of water, the boundless ocean,
The fearsome receptacle of heaps of gems;
Exactly so do the streams of merit reach any donor,
Any good & wise man, giver of food, drink, & clothes,
Provider of housing, beds, seats, and coverlets...
Just as the rivers carry their waters to the sea!
One who has
Faith
in the
Three Jewels,
Who purifies his behaviour by pure
Morality
Having given to those, who seek the absolute,
is Really Rich - most wealthy - even without a penny!
