The Buddha teaches the laywoman Suppavāsā that giving food bestows life, beauty, happiness, and strength upon the recipient and, in turn, upon the giver. Such generosity, especially toward those accomplished in conduct is very fruitful.

The story of Suppavāsā, a noblewoman of the Koliyan clan, who endures a difficult pregnancy and ultimately gives birth to a healthy son with the blessings of the Buddha. Overjoyed, she declares she would endure it again. The Buddha then utters a verse on how suffering, disguised as pleasure, overpowers the negligent.