This discourse was taught by the Blessed One, taught by the Arahant, the fully enlightened Supreme Buddha. This is as I heard:
“Monks, these three kinds of persons are found existing in the world. What three? One like a cloud without rain, one who rains locally, and one who rains everywhere.
Now, monks, what kind of person is like a cloud without rain? Monks, this is a person who does not give food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, lotions, beds, lodging, or lighting to any one: not to monks, nuns, or Brāhmins, and not to the poor, the homeless, and the needy. Monks, this is a person who is like a cloud without rain.
Now, monks, what kind of person is like a cloud that rains locally? Monks, this is a person who gives food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, lotions, beds, lodging and lighting to some monks, nuns, or Brāhmins, to some of the poor, the homeless and the needy, and not to others. Monks, this is a person who is like a cloud that rains locally.
Now, monks, what kind of person is like a cloud that rains everywhere? Monks, this is a person who gives food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, scents, lotions, beds, lodging and lighting to all monks, nuns and Brāhmins as well as to the poor, the homeless and the needy. Monks, this is a person who is like a cloud that rains everywhere.
Monks, these are the three kinds of people existing in the world.”
This is the meaning of what the Blessed One said. So, with regard to this, it was said:
A certain person does not share the food and drinks he has gained with monks, nuns, Brāhmin, the poor, the homeless, and beggars. This kind of lowest person is called a cloud with no rain.
A certain person gives gifts to some people and not to others. The wise people call him one who rains locally.
A person who is responsive to requests and compassionate towards all beings distributes gifts delightedly, saying, “Give them! Give!”
That person is like a great storm cloud—resounding, thundering—raining, filling with water and drenching all over the earth.
He earns his wealth honestly through his own effort. He satisfies those in need with food and drink.
This, too, is the meaning of what was said by the Blessed One. This is exactly as I heard.
