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152
THE QUESTIONS AND PUZZLES
IV, 8, 30.
for whose benefit they are given derive no profit therefrom.
No, O king. They run not to waste, neither are fruitless. The givers themselves derive profit from them.'
Then convince me of this by a simile.'
Suppose, O king, people were to get ready fish and meat and strong drinks and rice and cakes, and make a visit on a family related to them. If their relatives should not accept their complimentary present, would that present be wasted or fruitless?'
No, Sir, it would go to the owners of it.'
Well, just so the givers themselves derive the profit. Or just, О king, [295] as if a man were to enter an inner chamber, and there were no exit in front of him, how would he get out ?'
‘By the way he entered.'
*Well, just so the givers themselves derive the profit.'
30. 'Let that pass, Nagasena. That is so, and I accept it as you say. We will not dispute your argument. But, venerable Nâgasena, if the offerings made by such givers do advantage certain of the departed, and they do reap the result of the gifts, then if a man who destroys living creatures and drinks blood and is of cruel heart, were after committing murder or any other dreadful act, to dedicate it to the departed, saying: "May the result of this act of mine accrue to the departed”—would it then be transferred to them?'
No, O king.'
But what is the reason, what is the cause, that a good deed can accrue to them, and not an evil one?'
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