9.
The Second Discourse on Decline
29.
"Monks, there are these seven qualities that lead to the decline of a lay follower.
Which seven?
He neglects seeing monks, he is negligent about hearing the Good Teaching, he does not train in higher morality, he becomes one with much distrust, he hears the Teaching with a censuring mind towards monks - whether elders, juniors, or those of middle standing - seeking faults, he seeks one worthy of offerings outside of here, and there he gives priority.
These, monks, are the seven qualities that lead to the decline of a lay follower.
"Monks, there are these seven qualities that lead to the non-decline of a lay follower. Which seven? He does not neglect seeing monks, he is not negligent about hearing the Good Teaching, he trains in higher morality, he becomes one with much confidence, he hears the Teaching without a censuring mind towards monks - whether elders, juniors, or those of middle standing - not seeking faults, he does not seek one worthy of offerings outside of here, and here he gives priority. These, monks, are the seven qualities that lead to the non-decline of a lay follower." This is what the Blessed One said. Having said this, the Fortunate One, the Teacher, said further:
And hearing the noble teachings, does not train in higher morality.
With a censuring mind, he wishes to hear the Good Teaching.
A lay follower who gives priority there.
A lay follower practising them falls away from the Good Teaching.
And hearing the noble teachings, and trains in higher morality.
Without a censuring mind, he wishes to hear the Good Teaching.
A lay follower who gives priority right here.
A lay follower practising them does not fall away from the Good Teaching." The ninth.