Sutra: Karma (merit) leads to beauty, rebirth

American monk Bhikkhu Bodhi, Suppavāsā (AN 4.57); Amber Larson (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

Merit ripens into happiness here or other worlds

On one occasion the Blessed One (the Buddha) was dwelling among the Koliyans near the Koliyan town of Sajjanela.

In the morning he dressed, took his bowl and robe, and went to the residence of the Koliyan daughter Suppavāsā, where he sat down on the seat prepared for him.

Then with her own hands she served and satisfied the Blessed One with various kinds of delicious food.

When he had finished eating and had put away his alms bowl, the Koliyan daughter Suppavāsā sat down respectfully to one side. The Blessed One then said to her:

Beauty is the result of karma (intentional actions)

“Suppavāsā, a female noble disciple who gives food gives the recipients four things. What four things? She gives:

1. life,
2. beauty,
3. happiness,
4. strength.

(1) Having given life, she partakes of life, be it celestial or human [reborn again on the human plane or one of the many deva planes].

(2) Having given beauty, she partakes of beauty, be it celestial or human.

(3) Having given happiness, she partakes of happiness, be it celestial or human.

(4) Having given strength, she partakes of strength, be it celestial or human.

“Suppavāsā, a noble female disciple who gives food gives the recipients those four things.”

“When one gives well-prepared food,

pure, delicious, and flavorful,

to upright ones who are

exalted and of excellent conduct,

that offering, which links merit with merit,

is praised as very fruitful

by knowers-of-the-world.

“Those recollecting such generosity

dwell in the world inspired by joy.

Having removed the stain of greediness and its root,

blameless, they go to a heavenly abode.”