Venerable Bhaddaperson

The venerable Bhadda asks the venerable Ānanda about the purpose of wholesome virtue. Ānanda answers that the Buddha taught wholesome virtue for the purpose of cultivating the four establishments of mindfulness.

The venerable Bhadda asks the venerable Ānanda why the good Dhamma lasts long or does not last long after the Tathāgata’s final Nibbāna. Ānanda answers that it depends on whether the four establishments of mindfulness are cultivated and frequently practiced.

The venerable Bhadda asks the venerable Ānanda what causes the decline or non-decline of the good Dhamma. Ānanda answers that it depends on whether the four establishments of mindfulness are cultivated and frequently practiced.