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214
FO-SHO-HING-TSAN-KING.
IV, 18.
man, knowing their inconstancy, gives freely, doing acts of kindness with his saved possessions. 1503
But the niggard guards them carefully, fearing to lose them, worn by anxiety, but never fearing (worst of all!) “inconstancy?," and that accumulated sorrow, when he loses all! 1504
There is a proper time and a proper mode in charity, just as the vigorous warrior goes to battle, so is the man "able to give,” he also is an able warrior; a champion strong and wise in action. 1505
The charitable man is loved by all, well-known and far-renowned! his friendship prized by the gentle and the good, in death his heart at rest and full of joy! 1506
'He suffers no repentance, no tormenting fear, nor is he born a wretched ghost or demon! this is the opening flower of his reward, the fruit that follows—hard to conjecture ?! 1507
'In all the six conditions born there is no sweet companion like pure charity; if born a Deva or a man, then charity brings worship and renown on every hand; 1508
'If born among the lower creatures (beasts), the result of charity will follow in contentment got; wisdom leads the way to fixed composure without dependence and without number . 1509
And if we even reach the immortal path, still by continuous acts of charity we fulfil ourselves in
1 'Inconstancy,' or death.'
. This is a singular expression, implying that the character of a good man's final condition is difficult to describe : "it has not entered the heart.'
* These two lines appear to be irrelevant; nor do I understand the last phrase without number,' in its connection with the context.
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| SR No. | 007676 |
| Book Title | Text of Confucianism Part 02 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | James Legge |
| Publisher | Oxford |
| Publication Year | 1882 |
| Total Pages | 2405 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 43 MB |