While residing at Jetavan in Savatthi King Mahanama asked the Buddha about the merit for people who give alms. The Buddha delivered a sermon describing the merit derived from giving various gifts. For examples: a person who makes a gift of a Buddha statue will get merit for ten kappa (eons); one who makes a manuscript as a gift will get merit for nine kappa; one who is ordained as a monk will get merit for eight kappa; one who build a stupa as a gift will get merit for seven kappa; and so on.
Colophon:
Folio 8 on the recto side: In the Buddhist Era (BE) 2482, a kat mao year, on the thirteenth waxing day of the third [lunar] month, the fifth day of the week (Thursday). The writing [of this manuscript) was finished at the time of the morning drum (between 7.30 – 9.00 o’clock). Sao (Mrs.) Thi and her children sponsored the making [of this manuscript entitled] Sòng Sapphathan (Ānisaṃsa Sabba Dāna) to support the Teachings of Gotama Buddha to last until the end of 5000 years. It is dedicated to her husband who already died. May [the merits derived from making this manuscript] of Song Sapphathan to support him and move him to a good place. Even if he has already been put in a good place, please let him enjoy happiness numerous times more than previously, definitely. Niccaṃ dhuvaṃ (Constntly and certainly), Nirvāna is the greatest bliss.
Item 1 - Title in Native script:
ສອງສັບພະທານ
Item 1 - Title in Roman script:
Sòng Sabba Dāna
Item 1 - Title in English script:
The merit derived from various kinds of alms-giving