6.
The Discourse on Rainless
75.
This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Worthy One, thus have I heard:
"Monks, there are these three persons existing and found in the world. Which three? One like a rainless cloud, one who rains locally, one who rains everywhere.
"And how, monks, is a person like a rainless cloud? Here, monks, a certain person is not a giver to anyone at all - to ascetics, brahmins, the poor, travellers, paupers, and beggars - of food, drink, cloth, vehicle, garlands, scents, cosmetics, sleeping place, public rest-house, and material for lighting. Thus, monks, a person is like a rainless cloud.
"And how, monks, is a person one who rains locally? Here, monks, a certain person is a giver to some, not a giver to some - to ascetics, brahmins, the poor, travellers, paupers, and beggars - of food, drink, cloth, vehicle, garlands, scents, cosmetics, sleeping place, public rest-house, and material for lighting. Thus, monks, a person is one who rains locally.
"And how, monks, is a person one who rains everywhere? Here, monks, a certain person gives to all - to ascetics, brahmins, the poor, travellers, paupers, and beggars - food, drink, cloth, vehicle, garlands, scents, cosmetics, sleeping place, public rest-house, and material for lighting. Thus, monks, a person is one who rains everywhere. These, monks, are the three persons existing and found in the world." The Blessed One said this meaning. Therein this is said:
Having obtained, he does not share food, drink, and nourishment;
Him indeed they call like a rainless cloud, that lowest of men.
Him indeed the wise people call one who rains locally.
Rejoicing, he distributes, he says 'Give, give!'
It fills the high ground and the low, overflowing with water.
Having gathered righteously wealth obtained through effort;
He satisfies with food and drink the paupers who have rightly arrived."
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One, thus have I heard. The sixth.