法苑珠林 30.35

30.35

As the Pini mu jing states: If there are ordained monks and nuns, there are five factors and conditions that can cause the saddharma not to disappear quickly. First, in reciting and studying the sūtras, the texts and phrases are complete in order from beginning to end, and all the meanings and flavours can be thoroughly comprehended; and they further teach their disciples to know the same as themselves. Such persons can cause the Buddha-Dharma to abide long in the world. Second, they extensively study the tripiṭaka, complete in text and meaning, and are further able to teach the fourfold assembly according to what they understand; though their bodies perish, they cause the saddharma of future generations to continue without interruption. Such persons can ensure that the saddharma does not fall to the ground. Third, if there are elders and seniors among the saṅgha who are respected by the fourfold assembly, who are able to diligently cultivate the three karmas and abandon the management of worldly affairs, and their followers and disciples succeed one another in turn, all doing the same—this also causes the saddharma to abide long. Fourth, if there are monks whose natures are gentle and compliant, whose words are never defiant, who follow upon hearing good and keep far away upon hearing evil, and who, when there are persons of high talent, wisdom, and virtue, revere and practice their teachings and admonitions—this also can cause the Buddha-Dharma to abide long. Fifth, if the monks are harmonious with one another and do not form factions for the sake of power or material gain to assist one another in disputing right and wrong—these five matters can cause the saddharma to circulate without end. This is what is meant by senior elders among expounders of the Dharma.