Gifts of a Wholesome Person (Second Discourse)

Monks, there are these five gifts of a wholesome person.

What five?

(1) He gives a gift out of confidence;

(2) he gives a gift respectfully;

(3) he gives a timely gift;

(4) he gives a gift unreservedly;

(5) he gives a gift without injuring himself or others.

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(1) Because he has given a gift out of confidence, wherever the result of that gift is produced, he becomes rich, with great wealth and property, and he is handsome, attractive, graceful, possessing supreme beauty of complexion.

(2) Because he has given a gift respectfully, wherever the result of that gift is produced, he becomes rich, with great wealth and property, and his sons and wives, slaves, servants, and workers are obedient, lend an ear, and apply their minds to understand.

(3) Because he has given a timely gift, wherever the result of that gift is produced, he becomes rich, with great wealth and property, and timely benefits come to him in abundance.

(4) Because he has given a gift unreservedly, wherever the result of that gift is produced, he becomes rich, with great wealth and property, and his mind inclines to the enjoyment of the five kinds of fine sensual pleasures.

(5) Because he has given a gift without injuring himself or others, wherever the result of that gift is produced, he becomes rich, with great wealth and property, and no damage comes to his property from any source, whether from fire, floods, Kings, thieves, or displeasing heirs.

These are the five gifts of a wholesome person.

(Reference: AN 5.148)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares guidance on how to give a gift in a wholesome way.

1.) An individual gives a gift with confidence; no remorse or regret.

2.) An individual gives a gift with respect, gratitude, and appreciation for the individual.

3.) An individual gives a gift that is at the proper time.

4.) An individual gives a gift without reservation or holding back with selfishness.

5.) An individual gives a gift without causing harm to himself or others; finding the middle way and ensuring no beings are harmed.