True Teachings of The Awakened One
Seasonable Gifts
Translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Gifts given at the proper time bear the greatest fruit. Here the Buddha describes five such occasions.
[Often chanted by monks as a blessing after receiving food or other offerings.]
“There are these five seasonable gifts. Which five? One gives to a newcomer. One gives to one going away. One gives to one who is ill. One gives in time of famine. One sets the first fruits of field & orchard in front of those who are virtuous. These are the five seasonable gifts.”
In the proper season they give β
those with discernment,
responsive, free from stinginess.
Having been given in proper season,
with hearts inspired by the Noble Ones
β straightened, Such β
their offering bears an abundance.
Those who rejoice in that gift
or give assistance,
they, too, have a share of the merit,
and the offering isn’t depleted by that.
So, with an unhesitant mind,
one should give where the gift bears great fruit.
Merit is what establishes
living beings in the next life.