Bhojana Sutta

A Meal

For free distribution only, as a gift of Dhamma

"In giving a meal, the donor gives five things to the recipient. Which five? He/she gives life, beauty, happiness, strength, & quick-wittedness. Having given life, he/she has a share in long life, either human or divine. Having given beauty, he/she has a share in beauty, either human or divine. Having given happiness, he/she has a share in happiness, either human or divine. Having given strength, he/she has a share in strength, either human or divine. Having given quick-wittedness, he/she has a share in quick-wittedness, either human or divine. In giving a meal, the donor gives these five things to the recipient."

The prudent person giving life, strength,
    beauty, quick-wittedness --
the wise person, a giver of happiness --
    attains happiness himself.
Having given life, strength, beauty,
    happiness, & quick-wittedness,
he has long life & status
    wherever he arises.

Revised: 10 November 1999

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/anguttara/an5-37.html