Recipient and the Fruit of Giving (Second Discourse)

Monks, when it is new, cloth made of bark fabric is ugly, uncomfortable, and of little value. When it has been worn, cloth made of bark fabric is ugly, uncomfortable, and of little value. When it is old, cloth made of bark fabric is still ugly, uncomfortable, and of little value. They use old cloth made of bark fabric for cleaning pots or they discard it on a trash heap.

(1) (i) So too, Monks, if a junior Monk is immoral, of unwholesome character, this, I say, counts as his ugliness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is ugly, so, I say, this person is similar.

(ii) For those who associate with him, resort to him, attend on him, and follow his example, this leads to their harm and discontentedness for a long time. This, I say, counts as his uncomfortableness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is uncomfortable, so, I say, this person is similar.

(iii) When he accepts a robe, almsfood, lodging, and medicines and provisions for the sick, this (acceptance) is not of great fruit and benefit for those [who offer such things]. This, I say, counts as his being of little value. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is of little value, so, I say, this person is similar.

(2) (i) If a Monk of middle standing is immoral. of unwholesome character, this, I say, counts as his ugliness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is ugly, so, I say, this person is similar.

(ii) For those who associate with him, resort to him, attend on him, and follow his example, this leads to their harm and discontentedness for a long time. This, I say, counts as his uncomfortableness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is uncomfortable, so, I say, this person is similar.

(iii) When he accepts a robe, almsfood, lodging, and medicines and provisions for the sick, this [acceptance] is not of great fruit and benefit for those [who offer such things]. This, I say, counts as his being of little value. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is of little value, so, I say, this person is similar.

(3) (i) If an elder Monk is immoral, of unwholesome character, this, I say, counts as his ugliness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is ugly, so, I say, this person is similar.

(ii) For those who associate with him, resort to him, attend on him, and follow his example, this leads to their harm and discontentedness for a long time. This, I say, counts as his uncomfortableness. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is uncomfortable, so, I say, this person is similar.

(iii) When he accepts a robe, almsfood, lodging, and medicines and provisions for the sick, this [acceptance] is not of great fruit and benefit for those [who offer such things]. This, I say, counts as his being of little value. Just as cloth made of bark fabric is of little value, so, I say, this person is similar.

If such an elder Monk speaks in the midst of The Community, the Monks say to him: What gives you, an unwise person, the right to speak? Do you think you too are entitled to speak?

He then becomes angry and displeased and utters speech on account of which The Community expels him, as if [discarding] the clothing made of bark fabric on the trash heap.

(Reference: AN 3.99)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares how offerings made to a junior, middle, or elder aged Ordained Practitioner who is immoral and of unwholesome character does not produce great fruit and benefit for the donor.

He explains that it causes great harm to associate with an individual of immoral or unwholesome character because this would lead to your own harm and discontentedness for a long time.

It is not advisable to judge others but instead, practice discernment in making wise choices of who to make offerings providing support for their continued development.

Judgment: attempting to determine what is right or wrong for another person while placing oneself above others with arrogance or pride (i.e. the ego). Comparing that one is superior or inferior to another person. Attempting to declare who is wholesome or unwholesome, good or bad. Judgment is based in “conceit". Judgment is harmful to the mind and needs to be eliminated to attain Enlightenment.

Discernment: is wise decision making based in wisdom. Discernment is helpful to the mind and needs to be cultivated to attain Enlightenment.

A donor should ensure the gift they are offering to Teachers (i.e. the recipient) is supporting the development of a Practitioner who is actively progressing towards Enlightenment through determined, dedicated, and diligent development of their life practice.

Through ensuring one supports wholesome Teachers actively progressing towards Enlightenment or who are Enlightened, this will allow these Teachings to continue to flourish providing benefit to large population of people.