When she gives well-prepared food, pure, fine, and full of flavor, that offering—given to the sincere, who have good conduct, and are big-hearted—joins merit to merit. It’s very fruitful, and is praised by those who know the world.

Those who recall such sacrifices, live in the world full of inspiration. They’ve driven out the stain of stinginess, <j>root and all, blameless, they go to a heavenly place.”

Numbered Discourses 4.58 6. Overflowing Merit Sudatta

Then the householder Anāthapiṇḍika went up to the Buddha, bowed, and sat down to one side. The Buddha said to him:

“Householder, when a noble disciple gives food, they give the recipients four things. What four? Long life, beauty, happiness, and strength. Giving long life, they have long life as a god or human. … Giving beauty … happiness … strength … When a noble disciple gives food, they give the recipients these four things.

Carefully giving food at the right time, to those who are disciplined, <j>eating only what others give, you provide them with four things: long life, beauty, happiness, and strength.

A person who gives long life, beauty, happiness, and strength, has long life and fame wherever they’re reborn.”

Numbered Discourses 4.59 6. Overflowing Merit Food