THE DEVOUT ARE RESPECTED EVERYWHERE

Saddho silena sampanno yaso bhoga samappito
Yam yam padesam bhajati tattha tatth' eva pujito. [303]

XXI: 07 A virtuous one is showered with riches (Citta)

Citta, after hearing the Dhamma expounded by Venerable Sariputta attained the third stage of Sainthood. One day, Citta left for Savatthi, loaded with carts full of food and other offerings for the Buddha and his bhikkhus. While he was paying homage to the Buddha, masses of flowers dropped miraculously from above like showers of rain. Citta stayed at the monastery for many days, offering almsfood to the Buddha and the bhikkhus. All this time, the devas were replenishing his stock of food and other offerings.

On the eve of his return journey, Citta gave all the food as offerings to the Holy Order. The devas again filled up the empty carts with various items of priceless things. Venerable Ananda, seeing how Citta's riches were being replenished, asked the Buddha, 'Venerable Sir! Is it because Citta came to you that he is blessed with all these riches? Will he similarly be showered with gifts if he goes somewhere else?' The Buddha replied, 'Ananda, this disciple is endowed with faith and generosity. No matter where he goes, he will be showered with riches and honour.'