Today is the first day of Higan week, the three days before the equinox and the three days after. As explained in a Nichiren Shu brochure:

For Buddhists, this period is not just one characterized by days with almost equal portions of light and dark. Rather, it is a period in which we strive to consciously reflect upon ourselves and our deeds.

The today we consider the Perfection of Generosity. For this Fall Higan week I’m using Hsuan Hua‘s commentary on the Lotus Sutra in which he discusses the 10 advantages of each pāramitā.

Let’s talk about the ten advantages resulting from the pāramitā of giving. What are they?

1. One will be able to conquer the afflictions associated with stinginess. Stinginess is a form of affliction that’s hard to overcome. With the practice of giving, one can overcome this affliction.
2. One will be able to maintain a continuous attitude of generosity. Sometimes people’s first thought is to give, but in their next thought they retreat and get stingy. One must resolve to give in thought after thought. The second advantage of practicing true giving is that one develops and maintains an attitude of generosity.
3. One will be able to share one’s wealth with living beings without discrimination. Because you can give money away to others, your wealth will flow to others and be shared with them.
4. One will be born in a wealthy, honorable family.
5. In every life, one will always be generous and ready to give.
6. One will be loved and cherished by the fourfold assembly. The bhikṣus, bhikṣunīs, upāsakās, and upāsikās will all like you because you’re generous.
7. One will remain undaunted in the presence of the multitudes. If you have no virtue, you’ll be easily intimidated by others. If you meet someone with virtue, you’ll be intimidated by them. If you meet someone who is mean and wicked, you’ll be intimidated as well. You’ll be terrified of both the good and the bad. If you practice giving, no matter how much tough opposition you encounter from other people – be it good or bad opposition – you won’t be afraid. You’ll remain undaunted in the presence of the multitudes.
8. One’s good reputation will be heard everywhere. If you practice giving, everyone will know that you’re a great and wealthy elder. Your good reputation will be known by all.
9. One’s hands and feet will be soft and supple. Your hands will be as supple and smooth as cotton. They won’t be coarse like sandpaper. The Buddhas’ hands are said to be as soft as tūla cotton, which is a result of them practicing giving in every life.
10. This advantage is even better. What is it? One will encounter a genuine good spiritual teacher in whichever monastery one is. If you fail to meet a genuine good spiritual teacher, it’s because you didn’t practice giving in your past lives. If you come across good spiritual teachers, they’ll employ “relentless compassion” to remonstrate with you and give you advice that you don’t want to hear. Although their words might sound critical, their constructive criticism comes from a compassionate heart.

These ten advantages will be conferred upon those who practice giving. Each of the remaining five pāramitās also has ten advantages.