尼羯磨 3.119

3.119

At that time, another bhikṣu went to where the Buddha was and addressed him, saying, "Venerable One, by what cause and condition does the correct Dharma swiftly perish and not remain long?" The Buddha told the bhikṣu, "If a bhikṣu has gone forth in the Dharma and vinaya, but does not preach the Dharma to others with a sincere mind, nor listens to the Dharma and retains it with a sincere mind; or even if he firmly retains it, he cannot contemplate its meaning and purport, and not knowing its meaning, he cannot practice in accordance with what is taught, being unable to benefit himself or benefit others." The Buddha told the bhikṣu, "It is because of these causes and conditions that the Dharma swiftly perishes and does not remain long." "Venerable One, furthermore, by what cause and condition does the Dharma remain long?" (The opposite of the above statements applies.)