The Vajji Seven · AN 7.21–7.31

AN 7.21 · At Sārandada

AN 7.21 · Sārandadasutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Vesālī, at the Sārandada Shrine. Then several Licchavis went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and the Buddha said to these Licchavis:

Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā vesāliyaṁ viharati sārandade cetiye. Atha kho sambahulā licchavī yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkamiṁsu; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṁ abhivādetvā ekamantaṁ nisīdiṁsu. Ekamantaṁ nisinne kho te licchavī bhagavā etadavoca:

“Licchavis, I will teach you these seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”

“satta vo, licchavī, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha, bhāsissāmī”ti.

“Yes, sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho te licchavī bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:

“And what are the seven principles that prevent decline? As long as the Vajjis meet frequently and have many meetings, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Katame ca, licchavī, satta aparihāniyā dhammā? Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī abhiṇhaṁ sannipātā bhavissanti sannipātabahulā; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis meet in harmony, leave in harmony, and carry on their business in harmony, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahissanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karissanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis don’t make new decrees or abolish existing decrees, but proceed having undertaken the ancient Vajjian principles as they have been decreed, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī apaññattaṁ na paññāpessanti, paññattaṁ na samucchindissanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattissanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate Vajjian elders, and think them worth listening to, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī ye te vajjīnaṁ vajjimahallakā te sakkarissanti garuṁ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca sotabbaṁ maññissanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis don’t forcibly abduct the women or girls of the clans and make them live with them, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo tā na okassa pasayha vāsessanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Vajjian shrines, whether inner or outer, not neglecting the proper spirit-offerings that were given and made in the past, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṁ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca tāni sakkarissanti garuṁ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca dinnapubbaṁ katapubbaṁ dhammikaṁ baliṁ no parihāpessanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the Vajjis organize proper protection, shelter, and security for perfected ones, so that more perfected ones might come to the realm and those already here may live in comfort, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṁvihitā bhavissati: ‘kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṁ āgaccheyyuṁ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsuṁ vihareyyun’ti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the Vajjis, and as long as the Vajjis are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, licchavī, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā vajjīsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu vajjī sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, licchavī, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.22 · With Vassakāra

AN 7.22 · Vassakārasutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain.

Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate.

Now at that time King Ajātasattu of Magadha, son of the princess of Videha, wanted to invade the Vajjis. He said: “I shall wipe out these Vajjis, so mighty and powerful! I shall destroy them, and lay ruin and devastation upon them!”

Tena kho pana samayena rājā māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo hoti. So evamāha: “ahaṁ hime vajjī evaṁmahiddhike evaṁmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi, vajjī vināsessāmi, vajjī anayabyasanaṁ āpādessāmī”ti.

And then King Ajātasattu addressed Vassakāra the brahmin, a chief minister of Magadha, “Please, brahmin, go to the Buddha, and in my name bow with your head to his feet. Ask him if he is healthy and well, nimble, strong, and living comfortably. And then say: ‘Sir, King Ajātasattu of Magadha, son of the princess of Videha, wants to invade the Vajjis. He said: “I shall wipe out these Vajjis, so mighty and powerful! I shall destroy them, and lay ruin and devastation upon them!”’ Remember well how the Buddha answers and tell it to me. For Realized Ones say nothing that is not so.”

Atha kho rājā māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vassakāraṁ brāhmaṇaṁ māgadhamahāmattaṁ āmantesi: “ehi tvaṁ, brāhmaṇa, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama; upasaṅkamitvā mama vacanena bhagavato pāde sirasā vandāhi, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ puccha: ‘rājā, bhante, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto bhagavato pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ pucchatī’ti. Evañca vadehi: ‘rājā, bhante, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo. So evamāha— ahaṁ hime vajjī evaṁmahiddhike evaṁmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi, vajjī vināsessāmi, vajjī anayabyasanaṁ āpādessāmī’ti. Yathā te bhagavā byākaroti, taṁ sādhukaṁ uggahetvā mama āroceyyāsi. Na hi tathāgatā vitathaṁ bhaṇantī”ti.

“Yes, worthy sir,” Vassakāra replied. He went to the Buddha and exchanged greetings with him. When the greetings and polite conversation were over, he sat down to one side and said to the Buddha:

“Evaṁ, bho”ti kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo māgadhamahāmatto rañño māgadhassa ajātasattussa vedehiputtassa paṭissutvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṁ sammodi. Sammodanīyaṁ kathaṁ sāraṇīyaṁ vītisāretvā ekamantaṁ nisīdi. Ekamantaṁ nisinno kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo māgadhamahāmatto bhagavantaṁ etadavoca:

“Worthy Gotama, King Ajātasattu bows with his head to your feet. He asks if you are healthy and well, nimble, strong, and living comfortably. King Ajātasattu wants to invade the Vajjis. He said: ‘I shall wipe out these Vajjis, so mighty and powerful! I shall destroy them, and lay ruin and devastation upon them!’”

“rājā, bho gotama, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto bhoto gotamassa pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṁ appātaṅkaṁ lahuṭṭhānaṁ balaṁ phāsuvihāraṁ pucchati. Rājā, bho gotama, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo. So evamāha: ‘ahaṁ hime vajjī evaṁmahiddhike evaṁmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi, vajjī vināsessāmi, vajjī anayabyasanaṁ āpādessāmī’”ti.

Now at that time Venerable Ānanda was standing behind the Buddha fanning him. Then the Buddha said to him: “Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis meet frequently and have many meetings?”

Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ānando bhagavato piṭṭhito ṭhito hoti bhagavantaṁ bījayamāno. Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṁ ānandaṁ āmantesi: “kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī abhiṇhaṁ sannipātā sannipātabahulā’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī abhiṇhaṁ sannipātā sannipātabahulā’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis meet frequently and have many meetings, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī abhiṇhaṁ sannipātā bhavissanti sannipātabahulā; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis meet in harmony, leave in harmony, and carry on their business in harmony?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī samaggā sannipatanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karontī’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī samaggā sannipatanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karontī’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis meet in harmony, leave in harmony, and carry on their business in harmony, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahissanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karissanti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis don’t make new decrees or abolish existing decrees, but proceed having undertaken the ancient Vajjian principles as they have been decreed?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī apaññattaṁ na paññāpenti, paññattaṁ na samucchindanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattantī’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī apaññattaṁ na paññāpenti, paññattaṁ na samucchindanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattantī’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis don’t make new decrees or abolish existing decrees, but proceed having undertaken the ancient Vajjian principles as they have been decreed, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī apaññattaṁ na paññāpessanti, paññattaṁ na samucchindissanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattissanti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate Vajjian elders, and think them worth listening to?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī ye te vajjīnaṁ vajjimahallakā te sakkaronti garuṁ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca sotabbaṁ maññantī’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī ye te vajjīnaṁ vajjimahallakā te sakkaronti garuṁ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca sotabbaṁ maññantī’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate Vajjian elders, and think them worth listening to, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī ye te vajjīnaṁ vajjimahallakā te sakkarissanti garuṁ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca sotabbaṁ maññissanti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis don’t forcibly abduct the women or girls of the clans and make them live with them?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo tā na okassa pasayha vāsentī’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo tā na okassa pasayha vāsentī’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis don’t forcibly abduct the women or girls of the clans and make them live with them, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo tā na okassa pasayha vāsessanti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Vajjian shrines, whether inner or outer, not neglecting the proper spirit-offerings that were given and made in the past?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṁ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca tāni sakkaronti garuṁ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca dinnapubbaṁ katapubbaṁ dhammikaṁ baliṁ no parihāpentī’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṁ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca tāni sakkaronti garuṁ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca dinnapubbaṁ katapubbaṁ dhammikaṁ baliṁ no parihāpentī’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the Vajjian shrines, whether inner or outer, not neglecting the proper spirit-offerings that were given and made in the past, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṁ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca tāni sakkarissanti garuṁ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca dinnapubbaṁ katapubbaṁ dhammikaṁ baliṁ no parihāpessanti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

Ānanda, have you heard that the Vajjis organize proper protection, shelter, and security for perfected ones, so that more perfected ones might come to the realm and those already here may live in comfort?”

Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṁ: ‘vajjīnaṁ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṁvihitā—kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṁ āgaccheyyuṁ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsuṁ vihareyyun’”ti?

“I have heard that, sir.”

“Sutaṁ metaṁ, bhante: ‘vajjīnaṁ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṁvihitā bhavissati—kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṁ āgaccheyyuṁ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsuṁ vihareyyun’”ti.

“As long as the Vajjis organize proper protection, shelter, and security for perfected ones, so that more perfected ones might come to the realm and those already here may live in comfort, they can expect growth, not decline.”

“Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṁvihitā bhavissati: ‘kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṁ āgaccheyyuṁ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsuṁ vihareyyun’ti; vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

Then the Buddha said to Vassakāra:

Atha kho bhagavā vassakāraṁ brāhmaṇaṁ māgadhamahāmattaṁ āmantesi:

“Brahmin, this one time I was staying near Vesālī at the Sārandada Shrine. There I taught the Vajjis these principles that prevent decline. As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the Vajjis, and as long as the Vajjis are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

“ekamidāhaṁ, brāhmaṇa, samayaṁ vesāliyaṁ viharāmi sārandade cetiye. Tatrāhaṁ, brāhmaṇa, vajjīnaṁ ime satta aparihāniye dhamme desesiṁ. Yāvakīvañca, brāhmaṇa, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā vajjīsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu vajjī sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, brāhmaṇa, vajjīnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

When the Buddha had spoken, Vassakāra said to him: “Worthy Gotama, if the Vajjis follow even a single one of these principles they can expect growth, not decline. How much more so all seven! King Ajātasattu cannot defeat the Vajjis in war, unless by bribery or by sowing dissension. Well, now, worthy Gotama, I must go. I have many duties, and much to do.”

“Ekamekenapi, bho gotama, aparihāniyena dhammena samannāgatānaṁ vajjīnaṁ vuddhiyeva pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni; ko pana vādo sattahi aparihāniyehi dhammehi. Akaraṇīyā ca, bho gotama, vajjī raññā māgadhena ajātasattunā vedehiputtena yadidaṁ yuddhassa, aññatra upalāpanāya, aññatra mithubhedā. Handa ca dāni mayaṁ, bho gotama, gacchāma, bahukiccā mayaṁ bahukaraṇīyā”ti.

“Please, brahmin, go at your convenience.” Then Vassakāra the brahmin, having approved and agreed with what the Buddha said, rose from his seat and left.

“Yassadāni tvaṁ, brāhmaṇa, kālaṁ maññasī”ti. Atha kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo māgadhamahāmatto bhagavato bhāsitaṁ abhinanditvā anumoditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmīti.

AN 7.23 · Non-Decline for Mendicants (1st)

AN 7.23 · Paṭhamasattakasutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Rājagaha, on the Vulture’s Peak Mountain. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants:

Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:

“Mendicants, I will teach you these seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well, I will speak.”

“satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha, bhāsissāmī”ti.

“Yes, sir,” they replied. The Buddha said this:

“Evaṁ, bhante”ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṁ. Bhagavā etadavoca:

“What are the seven principles that prevent decline? As long as the mendicants meet frequently and have many meetings, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Katame ca, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniyā dhammā? Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū abhiṇhaṁ sannipātā bhavissanti sannipātabahulā; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants meet in harmony, leave in harmony, and carry on their business in harmony, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahissanti, samaggā saṅghakaraṇīyāni karissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants don’t make new decrees or abolish existing decrees, but proceed having undertaken the training rules as they have been decreed, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū apaññattaṁ na paññāpessanti, paññattaṁ na samucchindissanti, yathāpaññattesu sikkhāpadesu samādāya vattissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants honor, respect, esteem, and venerate the senior mendicants—of long standing, long gone forth, fathers and leaders of the Saṅgha—and think them worth listening to, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū ye te bhikkhū therā rattaññū cirapabbajitā saṅghapitaro saṅghapariṇāyakā te sakkarissanti garuṁ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca sotabbaṁ maññissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants don’t fall under the sway of arisen craving for future lives, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū uppannāya taṇhāya ponobhavikāya na vasaṁ gacchissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants take care to live in wilderness lodgings, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū āraññakesu senāsanesu sāpekkhā bhavissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as the mendicants individually establish mindfulness, so that more good-hearted spiritual companions might come, and those that have already come may live comfortably, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū paccattaññeva satiṁ upaṭṭhāpessanti: ‘kinti anāgatā ca pesalā sabrahmacārī āgaccheyyuṁ, āgatā ca pesalā sabrahmacārī phāsuṁ vihareyyun’ti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the mendicants, and as long as the mendicants are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.24 · Non-Decline for Mendicants (2nd)

AN 7.24 · Dutiyasattakasutta

“Mendicants, I will teach you seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well … And what are the seven principles that prevent decline?

“Satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha …pe… katame ca, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniyā dhammā?

As long as the mendicants don’t relish work, loving it and liking to relish it, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na kammārāmā bhavissanti, na kammaratā, na kammārāmataṁ anuyuttā; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as they don’t enjoy talk … sleep … company … they don’t have corrupt wishes, falling under the sway of corrupt wishes … they don’t have bad friends, companions, and associates … they don’t stop half-way after achieving some trifling distinction, they can expect growth, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na bhassārāmā bhavissanti …pe… na niddārāmā bhavissanti … na saṅgaṇikārāmā bhavissanti … na pāpicchā bhavissanti na pāpikānaṁ icchānaṁ vasaṁ gatā … na pāpamittā bhavissanti na pāpasahāyā na pāpasampavaṅkā … na oramattakena visesādhigamena antarāvosānaṁ āpajjissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the mendicants, and as long as the mendicants are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.25 · Non-Decline for Mendicants (3rd)

AN 7.25 · Tatiyasattakasutta

“Mendicants, I will teach you seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well … And what are the seven principles that prevent decline? As long as the mendicants are faithful … conscientious … prudent … learned … energetic … mindful … wise, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha …pe… katame ca, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniyā dhammā? Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū saddhā bhavissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū hirimanto bhavissanti …pe… ottappino bhavissanti … bahussutā bhavissanti … āraddhavīriyā bhavissanti … satimanto bhavissanti … paññavanto bhavissanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the mendicants, and as long as the mendicants are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.26 · Awakening Factors

AN 7.26 · Bojjhaṅgasutta

“Mendicants, I will teach you seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well … And what are the seven principles that prevent decline? As long as the mendicants develop the awakening factor of mindfulness … investigation of principles … energy … rapture … tranquility … immersion … equanimity, they can expect growth, not decline.

“Satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha …pe… katame ca, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniyā dhammā? Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū satisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti …pe… vīriyasambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti … pītisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti … passaddhisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti … samādhisambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti … upekkhāsambojjhaṅgaṁ bhāvessanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the mendicants, and as long as the mendicants are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.27 · Perceptions

AN 7.27 · Saññāsutta

“Mendicants, I will teach you seven principles that prevent decline. Listen and apply your mind well … And what are the seven principles that prevent decline? As long as the mendicants develop the perception of impermanence …

“Satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi. Taṁ suṇātha, sādhukaṁ manasi karotha …pe…. Katame ca, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniyā dhammā? Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū aniccasaññaṁ bhāvessanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni.

not-self … ugliness … drawbacks … giving up … fading away … cessation, they can expect growth, not decline. As long as these seven principles that prevent decline last among the mendicants, and as long as the mendicants are seen following them, they can expect growth, not decline.”

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū anattasaññaṁ bhāvessanti …pe… asubhasaññaṁ bhāvessanti … ādīnavasaññaṁ bhāvessanti … pahānasaññaṁ bhāvessanti … virāgasaññaṁ bhāvessanti … nirodhasaññaṁ bhāvessanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu, bhikkhū sandississanti; vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṁ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī”ti.

AN 7.28 · Non-decline for a Mendicant Trainee

AN 7.28 · Paṭhamaparihānisutta

So I have heard. At one time the Buddha was staying near Sāvatthī in Jeta’s Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika’s monastery. There the Buddha addressed the mendicants:

Evaṁ me sutaṁ— ekaṁ samayaṁ bhagavā sāvatthiyaṁ viharati jetavane anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme. Tatra kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi:

“These seven things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What seven? They relish work, talk, sleep, and company. They don’t guard the sense doors and they eat too much. And when there is Saṅgha business to be carried out, they don’t reflect: ‘There are senior mendicants in the Saṅgha of long standing, long gone forth, responsible. They’ll be known for taking care of this.’ So they get involved in that. These seven things lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.

“sattime, bhikkhave, dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno parihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Kammārāmatā, bhassārāmatā, niddārāmatā, saṅgaṇikārāmatā, indriyesu aguttadvāratā, bhojane amattaññutā, santi kho pana saṅghe saṅghakaraṇīyāni; tatra sekho bhikkhu iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘santi kho pana saṅghe therā rattaññū cirapabbajitā bhāravāhino, te tena paññāyissantī’ti attanā tesu yogaṁ āpajjati. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno parihānāya saṁvattanti.

These seven things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee. What seven? They don’t relish work, talk, sleep, and company. They guard the sense doors and don’t eat too much. And when there is Saṅgha business to be carried out, they reflect: ‘There are senior mendicants in the Saṅgha of long standing, long gone forth, responsible. They’ll be known for taking care of this.’ So they don’t get involved in that. These seven things don’t lead to the decline of a mendicant trainee.”

Sattime, bhikkhave, dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Na kammārāmatā, na bhassārāmatā, na niddārāmatā, na saṅgaṇikārāmatā, indriyesu guttadvāratā, bhojane mattaññutā, santi kho pana saṅghe saṅghakaraṇīyāni; tatra sekho bhikkhu iti paṭisañcikkhati: ‘santi kho pana saṅghe therā rattaññū cirapabbajitā bhāravāhino, te tena paññāyissantī’ti attanā na tesu yogaṁ āpajjati. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta dhammā sekhassa bhikkhuno aparihānāya saṁvattantī”ti.

AN 7.29 · Non-decline for a Lay Follower

AN 7.29 · Dutiyaparihānisutta

“These seven things lead to the decline of a lay follower. What seven? They miss out on seeing the mendicants. They neglect listening to the true teaching. They don’t train in higher ethical conduct. They’re very suspicious about mendicants, whether senior, junior, or middle. They listen to the teaching with a hostile, fault-finding mind. They seek outside of the Buddhist community for those worthy of religious donations. And they serve them first. These seven things lead to the decline of a lay follower.

“Sattime, bhikkhave, dhammā upāsakassa parihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Bhikkhudassanaṁ hāpeti, saddhammassavanaṁ pamajjati, adhisīle na sikkhati, appasādabahulo hoti, bhikkhūsu theresu ceva navesu ca majjhimesu ca upārambhacitto dhammaṁ suṇāti randhagavesī, ito bahiddhā dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati, tattha ca pubbakāraṁ karoti. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta dhammā upāsakassa parihānāya saṁvattanti.

These seven things don’t lead to the decline of a lay follower. What seven? They don’t miss out on seeing the mendicants. They don’t neglect listening to the true teaching. They train in higher ethical conduct. They’re very confident about mendicants, whether senior, junior, or middle. They don’t listen to the teaching with a hostile, fault-finding mind. They don’t seek outside of the Buddhist community for those worthy of religious donations. And they serve the Buddhist community first. These seven things don’t lead to the decline of a lay follower.”

Sattime, bhikkhave, dhammā upāsakassa aparihānāya saṁvattanti. Katame satta? Bhikkhudassanaṁ na hāpeti, saddhammassavanaṁ nappamajjati, adhisīle sikkhati, pasādabahulo hoti, bhikkhūsu theresu ceva navesu ca majjhimesu ca anupārambhacitto dhammaṁ suṇāti na randhagavesī, na ito bahiddhā dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati, idha ca pubbakāraṁ karoti. Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta dhammā upāsakassa aparihānāya saṁvattantī”ti.

That is what the Buddha said. Then the Holy One, the Teacher, went on to say:

Idamavoca bhagavā. Idaṁ vatvāna sugato athāparaṁ etadavoca satthā:

“A lay follower misses out on seeingthose who are evolvedand listening to the teachings of the Noble One.They don’t train in higher ethical conduct,

“Dassanaṁ bhāvitattānaṁ,Yo hāpeti upāsako;Savanañca ariyadhammānaṁ,Adhisīle na sikkhati.

and their suspicion about mendicantsjust grows and grows.They want to listen to the true teachingwith a fault-finding mind.

Appasādo ca bhikkhūsu,bhiyyo bhiyyo pavaḍḍhati;Upārambhakacitto ca,saddhammaṁ sotumicchati.

They seek outside the Buddhist communityfor someone else worthy of religious donations,and that lay followerserves them first.

Ito ca bahiddhā aññaṁ,dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati;Tattheva ca pubbakāraṁ,yo karoti upāsako.

These seven principles leading to declinehave been well taught.A lay follower who practices themfalls away from the true teaching.

Ete kho parihāniye,satta dhamme sudesite;Upāsako sevamāno,saddhammā parihāyati.

A lay follower doesn’t miss out on seeingthose who are evolvedand listening to the teachings of the Noble One.They train in higher ethical conduct,

Dassanaṁ bhāvitattānaṁ,Yo na hāpeti upāsako;Savanañca ariyadhammānaṁ,Adhisīle ca sikkhati.

and their confidence in mendicantsjust grows and grows.They want to listen to the true teachingwithout a fault-finding mind.

Pasādo cassa bhikkhūsu,bhiyyo bhiyyo pavaḍḍhati;Anupārambhacitto ca,saddhammaṁ sotumicchati.

They don’t seek outside the Buddhist communityfor someone else worthy of religious donations,and that lay followerserves the Buddhist community first.

Na ito bahiddhā aññaṁ,dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati;Idheva ca pubbakāraṁ,yo karoti upāsako.

These seven principles that prevent declinehave been well taught.A lay follower who practices themdoesn’t fall away from the true teaching.”

Ete kho aparihāniye,Satta dhamme sudesite;Upāsako sevamāno,Saddhammā na parihāyatī”ti.

AN 7.30 · Failures for a Lay Follower

AN 7.30 · Vipattisutta

“Mendicants, there are these seven failures for a lay follower …

Sattimā, bhikkhave, upāsakassa vipattiyo …pe…

There are these seven accomplishments for a lay follower …”

sattimā, bhikkhave, upāsakassa sampadā …pe….

AN 7.31 · Downfalls for a Lay Follower

AN 7.31 · Parābhavasutta

“Mendicants, there are these seven downfalls for a lay follower … There are these seven successes for a lay follower. What seven?

“Sattime, bhikkhave, upāsakassa parābhavā …pe… sattime, bhikkhave, upāsakassa sambhavā. Katame satta?

They don’t miss out on seeing the mendicants.

Bhikkhudassanaṁ na hāpeti,

They don’t neglect listening to the true teaching.

saddhammassavanaṁ nappamajjati,

They train in higher ethical conduct.

adhisīle sikkhati,

They’re very confident about mendicants, whether senior, junior, or middle.

pasādabahulo hoti,

They don’t listen to the teaching with a hostile, fault-finding mind.

bhikkhūsu theresu ceva navesu ca majjhimesu ca anupārambhacitto dhammaṁ suṇāti na randhagavesī,

They don’t seek outside of the Buddhist community for those worthy of religious donations.

na ito bahiddhā dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati,

And they serve the Buddhist community first.

idha ca pubbakāraṁ karoti.

These are the seven successes for a lay follower.

Ime kho, bhikkhave, satta upāsakassa sambhavāti.

A lay follower misses out on seeingthose who are evolvedand listening to the teachings of the Noble One.They don’t train in higher ethical conduct,

Dassanaṁ bhāvitattānaṁ,Yo hāpeti upāsako;Savanañca ariyadhammānaṁ,Adhisīle na sikkhati.

and their suspicion about mendicantsjust grows and grows.They want to listen to the true teachingwith a fault-finding mind.

Appasādo ca bhikkhūsu,bhiyyo bhiyyo pavaḍḍhati;Upārambhakacitto ca,saddhammaṁ sotumicchati.

They seek outside the Buddhist communityfor someone else worthy of religious donations,and that lay followerserves them first.

Ito ca bahiddhā aññaṁ,dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati;Tattheva ca pubbakāraṁ,yo karoti upāsako.

These seven principles leading to declinehave been well taught.A lay follower who practices thesefalls away from the true teaching.

Ete kho parihāniye,satta dhamme sudesite;Upāsako sevamāno,saddhammā parihāyati.

A lay follower doesn’t miss out on seeingthose who are evolvedand listening to the teachings of the Noble One.They train in higher ethical conduct,

Dassanaṁ bhāvitattānaṁ,Yo na hāpeti upāsako;Savanañca ariyadhammānaṁ,Adhisīle ca sikkhati.

and their confidence in mendicantsjust grows and grows.They want to listen to the true teachingwithout a fault-finding mind.

Pasādo cassa bhikkhūsu,bhiyyo bhiyyo pavaḍḍhati;Anupārambhacitto ca,saddhammaṁ sotumicchati.

They don’t seek outside the Buddhist communityfor someone else worthy of religious donations,and that lay followerserves the Buddhist community first.

Na ito bahiddhā aññaṁ,dakkhiṇeyyaṁ gavesati;Idheva ca pubbakāraṁ,yo karoti upāsako.

These seven principles that prevent declinehave been well taught.A lay follower who practices themdoesn’t fall away from the true teaching.”

Ete kho aparihāniye,Satta dhamme sudesite;Upāsako sevamāno,Saddhammā na parihāyatī”ti.