You should frequent those with excellent wisdom,

so that your own excellence will flourish.

Excelling in knowledge and conduct,

and having excellence of mind,

you perform excellent deeds,

and gain excellent benefits.

Truly knowing the world,

and having attained excellence of view,

one who excels in mind proceeds,

relying on excellence in the path.

Shaking off all stains,

and attaining the excellence of extinguishment,

you’re freed from all sufferings:

this is complete excellence.”

Numbered Discourses 8.35 4. Giving Rebirth by Giving

“Mendicants, there are these eight rebirths by giving. What eight?

First, someone gives to ascetics or brahmins such things as food, drink, clothing, vehicles; garlands, fragrance, and makeup; and bed, house, and lighting. Whatever they give they expect back. They see a well-to-do aristocrat or brahmin or householder amusing themselves, supplied and provided with the five kinds of sensual stimulation. It occurs to them: ‘If only, when my body breaks up, after death, I would be reborn in the company of well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders!’ They settle on that thought, stabilize it, and develop it. As they’ve settled for less and not developed further, their thought leads to rebirth there. When their body breaks up, after death, they’re reborn in the company of well-to-do aristocrats or brahmins or householders. But I say that this is only for those of ethical conduct, not for the unethical. The heart’s wish of an ethical person succeeds because of their purity.