Hosts of people use the rivers, and though the rivers are many, all reach the great deep, the boundless ocean, the cruel sea that’s home to precious gems. In the same way, when a person gives food, drink, and clothes; and they’re a giver of beds, seats, and mats—the streams of merit reach that astute person, as the rivers bring their waters to the sea.”
 
The Buddha, Aṅguttara Nikāya 4.51