So, through fear of having to cut off his charities, he took the sickle, and the pole and the rope, and going forth from the city came to a place of much grass, and mowing it, tied it up in two bundles, saying, “One shall belong to us, and with the other I will give alms.”
This he did for six days, and because there was not enough to feed all who came for alms, on the seventh day, he and his wife went fasting. Then his strength gave out. No sooner did the heat of the sun strike upon his head than his eyes began to swim in his head, and he became unconscious, and falling down he scattered the grass. Sakka was moving about, observing what the merchant did. And that god, standing in mid-air, cried: “Refrain from giving, and thou shalt have joy for ever.”
“Who art thou?” cried the merchant.
“I am Sakka.”
And the merchant said:
“Sakka reached his high office by taking upon himself moral duties, and giving alms.”
“Why dost thou give alms?” asked Sakka, still wishing to test him.
“It is not because I desire Sakkahood nor Brahmaship, but through giving there cometh knowledge of all things.”
“Great merchant,” cried Sakka, “henceforth do thou every day give alms.” And all his wealth was restored to him.