Numbered Discourses 5.235

24. A Resident Bhikkhu

A Compassionate Bhikkhu

“Bhikkhus, a resident bhikkhu with five qualities shows compassion to the lay people. What five? They encourage them in higher ethics. They equip them to see the truth of the teachings. When they are sick, they go to them and prompt their mindfulness, saying: ‘Establish your mindfulness, good sirs, in what is worthy.’ When a large bhikkhu Saṅgha is arriving with bhikkhus from abroad, they go to the lay people and announce: ‘A large bhikkhu Saṅgha is arriving with bhikkhus from abroad. Make merit! Now is the time to make merit!’ And they eat whatever food they give them, coarse or fine, not wasting a gift given in faith. A resident bhikkhu with these five qualities shows compassion to the lay people.”