อารัมภบทI shall now explain and expand upon the meaning of the Dhamma theme written above, as a guide for study and practice.

อธิบายบทตั้งTo explain: This saying teaches that the fruit of giving does not depend only on the quantity or the price of what is given, but depends above all on the mind of the giver. The words "the mind is full of faith" mean a mind that is clear with faith, that believes in merit and is glad to give. As for "offering" (dakkhiṇā), it means a gift given with respect, or given to honour virtue. When the giver's mind is full of faith, that gift cannot be called a small gift at all.

ขยายความบทตั้งThe reason for this is that merit arises in the mind. Giving that is accompanied by good intention at all three times, that is, being glad before giving, having a clear mind while giving, and being delighted without regret after giving, bears great fruit. Conversely, when a great deal is given reluctantly, given out of a wish to look good, or regretted afterwards, the mind is defiled, and the fruit of that gift diminishes in accordance with the defilement of the mind. Therefore a poor person who has faith can make merit no less than a rich person, provided he gives with a pure mind.

ประโยคสะพาน + ที่มา ๑People of poor understanding who see the world selfishly cannot see the value of giving. So they do not praise giving and even regard it as a mere waste of things. This accords with the Buddha's saying found in Khuddaka Nikāya, Dhammapada:

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑To explain: The word "fools" in this saying does not mean only unruly people, but people of poor wisdom who cannot see the value of goodness and look at the world selfishly. Such people do not praise giving, that is, they do not see giving as something good and noble. They often regard giving as a waste of things, as the foolishness of the giver, or sometimes they even look down on those who make merit by giving as doing it to show off.

อธิบายบทเชื่อม ๑The reason fools do not praise giving is that they see only what the eyes can see, that is, they see that their wealth decreases, but they cannot see what is gained from giving, such as contentment, friendship, respect, and the merit that follows one. In the Dhammapada there is a saying of the Buddha: the stingy do not go to the heavenly world, fools do not praise giving, but the wise rejoice in giving, and through that very rejoicing they are happy in the world beyond. This shows that even merely rejoicing in the giving of others is merit, but fools shut themselves off from that opportunity.

ตัวอย่างในชีวิตFor example, an old woman who does not have much money, but gets up early every morning to cook rice and offer it to the monks with sincere intention, and after offering it raises her joined palms full of joy, has merit that is great within her own mind. A student who has only a little pocket money, but is sincerely glad to drop a coin to help a classmate struck by disaster, has also made a valuable gift. But one who donates a large sum of money merely so that his name will appear on a notice board, if his mind is not truly full of faith in giving, gains less merit than he should.

สรุปTo conclude: Those who wish to make merit by giving should therefore not be discouraged because they have little, nor should they be complacent, thinking that because they give a lot they will always gain much merit. Rather, they should keep their mind clear every time they give, before giving, while giving and after giving. This accords with the Dhamma saying set forth as the theme at the beginning:

ปิดท้ายThus has the meaning been explained, as set forth above.