28 - Attachment to Rewards of Merit

Subhūti, if one bodhisattva bestows in charity sufficient of the seven treasures to fill as many worlds as there be sand grains in the river Ganges, and another, realizing that all things are egoless, attains perfection through patient forbearance, the merit of the latter will far exceed that of the former. Why is this, Subhūti? It is because all bodhisattvas are insentient as to the rewards of merit.

Then Subhūti said to Buddha: What is this saying, World-Honored One, that bodhisattvas are insentient as to rewards of merit?

[And Buddha answered:] Subhūti, bodhisattvas who achieve merit should not be fettered with desire for rewards. Thus it is said that the rewards of merit are not received.