In the parable of the “Four Kinds of Merit,” the Buddha explained his teaching on charitable giving and sacrifices to the gods. Given the importance of offerings and sacrifices in Brahmanism, the issue was a crucial one, with the Buddhist position serving to clearly differentiate Buddhism from its older rival. By introducing the lesson with a description of a wealthy Brahman, the Buddha created an implicit contrast between Buddhism and Brahmanism, casting Brahmanism in a decidedly negative light. In a sense, the parable presents the story of Sudatta and his gift of land in another, more direct, form, making the point that all are capable of making meritorious religious offerings, regardless of wealth or caste.
There was a rich man who used to invite all the Brahmans of the neighborhood to his house, and, giving them rich gifts, offer great sacrifices to the gods.
And the Blessed One said: “If a man each month repeat a thousand sacrifices and give offerings without ceasing, he is not equal to him who but for a moment fixes his mind upon righteousness.”
The world-
“The first is the case of the deluded man who takes away life for the purpose of sacrificing to the gods, accompanied by carousing and feasting. Here the gifts are great, but the merit is small indeed.
“The gifts are small and the merit is also small, when from covetousness and an evil heart a man keeps to himself a part of that which he intends to offer.
“The merit is great, however, while the gift is small, when a man makes his offering from love and with a desire to grow in wisdom and in kindness.
“Lastly, the gift is large and the merit is large, when a wealthy man, in an unselfish spirit and with the wisdom of a Buddha, gives donations and founds institutions for the best of mankind to enlighten the minds of his fellow-
Source: Paul Carus, The Gospel of Buddha (Chicago: The Open Court Publishing Company, 1896), pp. 164–
Questions to Consider