50.7 （七）

Thus have I heard:

At one time, the Buddha was at Anāthapiṇḍada's Park in the Jeta Grove near Śrāvastī.

At that time, the World-Honored One told the bhikṣus, "There is a large, tall and wide tree on the snow-capped mountains, with five things that grow large. What are the five? The roots do not move, the bark is extremely thick and large, the branches and joints are far apart, providing shade everywhere, and the leaves are extremely luxuriant. These are called, bhikṣus, the large tree on the snow-capped mountains that is extremely beautiful. Now, good sons and good daughters are also like this. Relying on a noble family, they benefit from five things. What are the five? Namely, the increase of faith, the increase of precepts, the increase of learning, the increase of giving, and the increase of wisdom. These are called, bhikṣus, the good sons and good daughters who rely on a noble family and accomplish these five things. Therefore, bhikṣus, you should seek the means to accomplish faith, precepts, learning, giving, and wisdom."

At that time, the World-Honored One then spoke this verse:

Just like the tree on the snow-capped mountains, with the accomplishment of
five merits: the roots, bark, branches, joints, and shade are all extensive
and the leaves are extremely luxuriant. The good sons and good daughters
with faith also accomplish five merits: faith, precepts, learning, giving, and wisdom
increase and benefit.

"Thus, bhikṣus! You should train in this way."

At that time, the bhikṣus heard what the Buddha said and joyfully received and practiced it.