僧羯磨 3.143

3.143

At that time, another bhikṣu went to where the Buddha was, and said: 'Bhadanta! By what cause and condition does the true Dharma perish swiftly and not abide for long?' The Buddha told the bhikṣu: 'If a bhikṣu has gone forth in the Dharma and Vinaya, and does not expound the Dharma for people with a sincere mind, nor listen to the Dharma and remember it with a sincere mind, and even if he firmly maintains it, cannot contemplate its meaning and purpose—since he does not know the meaning, he cannot practice as taught, cannot benefit himself, nor can he benefit others.' The Buddha told the bhikṣu: 'It is through these causes and conditions that the Dharma perishes swiftly and does not abide for long.' 'Bhadanta! By what cause and condition then does the Dharma abide for long?' (The reverse of the above statements).