~~~Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati.
~~~Sabbarasam dhammaraso jinati.
~~~Sabbaratim dhammarati jinati
~~~Tanhakkhayo sabbadukkham jinati.
___The Dhammapada Verse 354___
Meaning: The gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts; the taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes; delight in the Dhamma excels all delights. The eradication of Craving (i.e., attainment of arahatship) overcomes all ills (samsara dukkha).
Background Story of The Verse (The Story of the Questions Raised by Sakka)
(1) Among gifts, which is the best?
(2) Among tastes, which is the best?
(3) Among delights, which is the best?
(4) Why is the eradication of craving said to be the most excellent?
“Oh Sakka, the Dhamma is the noblest of all gifts, the best of all tastes and the best of all delights. Eradication of Craving leads to the attainment of arahatship and is, therefore, the greatest of all conquests.”
Verse 354: The gift of tile Dhamma excels all gifts; the taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes; delight in the Dhamma excels all delights. The eradication of Craving (i.e., attainment of arahatship) overcomes all ills (samsara dukkha).
“Venerable Sir, if the gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts why are we not invited to share the merit whenever gifts of the Dhamma are made? Venerable Sir! I pray that, from now on, we may be given a share in the merit of good deeds”.