| It.075 | Avu.t.thika Sutta | Bhikkhus, these three kinds of persons are to be found existing in the world. What three? One who is like a rainless cloud, one who rains locally and one who rains everywhere. "Now what kind of person, bhikkhus, is like a rainless cloud? Here, a certain person is not a giver to anyone; he does not give food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, ointments, beds, lodging and lamps to recluses and brahmins, to the poor, destitute and needy. This kind of person is like a rainless cloud. "Now what, bhikkhus, is the kind of person who rains locally? Here, a certain person is a giver to some but not a giver to others. Food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, ointments, beds, lodging and lamps he gives only to some recluses and brahmins, to some of the poor, destitute and needy, but not to others. This is the kind of person who rains locally. "Now what, bhikkhus, is the kind of person who rains everywhere? Here, a certain person gives to all. He gives food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, ointments, beds, lodging and lamps to all recluses and brahmins, to the poor, destitute and needy. This is the kind of person who rains everywhere. "These, bhikkhus, are the three kinds of persons to be found existing in the world." Neither to recluses nor brahmins Nor to the poor and destitute Does he distribute his store Of food and drink and goods; That base person is called "One like a rainless cloud." To some he does not give, To some he does offer alms; That one wise people call "One who rains only locally." A person renowned for his plenty, Compassionate towards all beings, Distributes alms gladly. "Give! Give!" he says. Like a great storm cloud That thunders and rains down Filling the levels and hollows, Saturating the earth with water, Even so is such a person. Having righteously gathered wealth Which he obtains by his own effort, He fully satisfies with food and drink Whatever beings must live in need. | 45/461 | Itivuttaka | Khuddhaka | It.064 | generosity |