This quote is from Master Hsuan Hua‘s commentary on the Medicine Master Sūtra.

By giving, one reaps blessings. Those who were stingy in past lives are poor now, while those who were generous are now rich. It is said, “You must first give in order to get something in return. If you don’t give, you won’t get anything.” We must be clear about cause and effect. If you make even a tiny mistake in cause and effect, the consequences may be terrible. When we come to the temple to bow to the Buddhas, we should try to benefit others, not try to gain something for ourselves. We should be willing to take a loss. People who come to the temple to steal food, money, or other things will certainly fall into the three lower paths.

Be sure to tell your relatives and friends that, no matter what temple they go to, they shouldn’t go there hoping to obtain responses or bargains, or to steal things. If they do, they are creating great offenses. If you fail to tell them, then you have a share in their offenses. You should clearly explain the law of cause and effect to them, so they won’t make mistakes.

The sūtras tell us to give to others, not to constantly be seeking offerings from others. Buddhists should benefit others. Otherwise, we will only be “thieves among the virtuous.” If we constantly exploit situations and pull strings with the Dharma-protectors, we are simply creating offenses and trying to destroy Buddhism.

Hearing my advice, I hope you will wake up and quickly take stock of yourself. If you have faults, change them right away; and if you don’t, then try even harder to be a good Buddhist. Don’t be a phony Buddhist who tries to take advantage of Buddhism. Don’t be tempted to do business within Buddhism, for it will surely lead you to the hells.