Satta Aparihaniya Dhamma - Seven Conditions of Welfare

Satta Aparihaniya Dhamma 

- Seven Conditions of Welfare 

on the basis of 

Mahāparinibbānasutta

(The Discourse about the Great Emancipation)

Evaṃ me sutaṃ – Thus have I heard:

ekaṃ samayaṃ bhagavā rājagahe viharati gijjhakūṭe pabbate. - At one time the Blessed One was living near Rājagaha on the Vultures’ Peak Mountain.

Tena kho pana samayena rājā māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo hoti. - Now at that time Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, had a desire to attack / invade the Vajjians (kingdom of Vajjis).

So evamāha – He said this:

‘‘ahaṃ hime vajjī evaṃmahiddhike evaṃmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi vajjī, vināsessāmi vajjī, anayabyasanaṃ āpādessāmi vajjī’’ti. - “I will annihilate (wipeout) these Vajjians, who are so successful, so powerful, I will destroy the Vajjians, I will bring about the downfall and destruction of the Vajjians”.

132. Atha kho rājā māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vassakāraṃ brāhmaṇaṃ magadhamahāmattaṃ āmantesi – Then Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, addressed the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, saying:

‘‘ehi tvaṃ, brāhmaṇa, yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkama; “Go, brahmin, and approach the Blessed One,

upasaṅkamitvā mama vacanena bhagavato pāde sirasā vandāhi, appābādhaṃ appātaṅkaṃ lahuṭṭhānaṃ balaṃ phāsuvihāraṃ puccha – and after approaching worship the Blessed One’s feet in my name, and ask whether he is free from sickness, free from illness, in good health, and living comfortably, and say:

 ‘rājā, bhante, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto bhagavato pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṃ appātaṅkaṃ lahuṭṭhānaṃ balaṃ phāsuvihāraṃ pucchatī’ti. - ‘Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, reverend Sir, worships with his head at the Blessed One’s feet, and asks whether you are free from sickness, free from illness, in good health, and living comfortably.’

Evañca vadehi – And say this:

‘rājā, bhante, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo. - ‘Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, venerable Sir, desires to invade / attack the Vajjians (kingdom of Vajjis).

So evamāha – He says this:

‘‘ahaṃ hime vajjī evaṃmahiddhike evaṃmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi vajjī, vināsessāmi vajjī, anayabyasanaṃ āpādessāmī’’’ti. - “I will annihilate (wipeout) these Vajjians, who are so successful, so powerful, I will destroy the Vajjians, I will bring about the downfall and destruction of the Vajjians.”

Yathā te bhagavā byākaroti, taṃ sādhukaṃ uggahetvā mama āroceyyāsi. Na hi tathāgatā vitathaṃ bhaṇantī’’ti. - And just what the Gracious One says to you, after learning it well, you must inform me, for the Realised Ones do not speak falsely.”

Vassakārabrāhmaṇo

133. ‘‘Evaṃ, bho’’ti kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo magadhamahāmatto rañño māgadhassa ajātasattussa vedehiputtassa paṭissutvā bhaddāni bhaddāni yānāni yojetvā bhaddaṃ bhaddaṃ yānaṃ abhiruhitvā bhaddehi bhaddehi yānehi rājagahamhā niyyāsi, yena gijjhakūṭo pabbato tena pāyāsi. - “Very well, dear Sir,” and the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, after replying to Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, and having many great and august vehicles prepared (the finest carriages harnessed), and mounting those great and august vehicles, departed with those great and august vehicles from Rājagaha, and after approaching by vehicle to the Vultures’ Peak Mountain

Yāvatikā yānassa bhūmi, yānena gantvā, yānā paccorohitvā pattikova yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; upasaṅkamitvā bhagavatā saddhiṃ sammodi. - as far as the ground for vehicles would allow (as far as the terrain allowed), and descending from the vehicles, he approached the Blessed One by foot, and after approaching, he exchanged greetings with the Blessed One,

Sammodanīyaṃ kathaṃ sāraṇīyaṃ vītisāretvā ekamantaṃ nisīdi. - and after exchanging courteous talk and greetings, he sat down on one side.

Ekamantaṃ nisinno kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo magadhamahāmatto bhagavantaṃ etadavoca - While sitting on one side, the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra said this to the Blessed One:

‘‘rājā, bho gotama, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto bhoto gotamassa pāde sirasā vandati, appābādhaṃ appātaṅkaṃ lahuṭṭhānaṃ balaṃ phāsuvihāraṃ pucchati. - “Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, dear Gotama, worships with his head at dear Gotama’s feet, and asks whether you are free from sickness, free from illness, in good health, and living comfortably.

Rājā, bho gotama, māgadho ajātasattu vedehiputto vajjī abhiyātukāmo. - Ajātasattu, the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, dear Gotama, desires to attack the Vajjians.

So evamāha – He says this:

 ‘ahaṃ hime vajjī evaṃmahiddhike evaṃmahānubhāve ucchecchāmi vajjī, vināsessāmi vajjī, anayabyasanaṃ āpādessāmī’’’ti. - ‘I will annihilate (wipeout) these Vajjians, who are so successful, so powerful, I will destroy the Vajjians, I will bring about the downfall and destruction of the Vajjians’”.

Rājaaparihāniyadhammā - Seven Things which Prevent Decline in the Vajjians

134. Tena kho pana samayena āyasmā ānando bhagavato piṭṭhito ṭhito hoti bhagavantaṃ bījayamāno. - Now at that time venerable Ānanda was stood behind the Blessed One fanning the Blessed One.

Atha kho bhagavā āyasmantaṃ ānandaṃ āmantesi – Then the Blessed One addressed venerable Ānanda, saying:

1) ‘‘kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī abhiṇhaṃ sannipātā sannipātabahulā’ti? -  “Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble regularly and assemble frequently (meet frequently and have many meetings)?’”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī abhiṇhaṃ sannipātā sannipātabahulā’’ti. - “I have heard this, venerable Sir: ‘The Vajjians assemble regularly and assemble frequently.’”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī abhiṇhaṃ sannipātā sannipātabahulā bhavissanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will assemble regularly and assemble frequently (meet frequently and have many meetings) surely progress (growth), Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

2) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī samaggā sannipatanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karontī’ti? -  Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously?’”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī samaggā sannipatanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karontī’’ti. - “I have heard this, venerable Sir, that the Vajjians assemble unanimously, rise unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously.”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahissanti, samaggā vajjikaraṇīyāni karissanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will assemble unanimously, rise unanimously, and carry out their Vajjian duties unanimously, surely (progress) growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

3) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī apaññattaṃ na paññapenti, paññattaṃ na samucchindanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattantī’’’ti? -  Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and carry on with such laws as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian Constitution?’”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī apaññattaṃ na paññapenti, paññattaṃ na samucchindanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattantī’’’ti. - “I have heard this, venerable Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and they carry on with such laws as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian Constitution.’”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, ‘‘vajjī apaññattaṃ na paññapessanti, paññattaṃ na samucchindissanti, yathāpaññatte porāṇe vajjidhamme samādāya vattissanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and they carry on with such laws as were accepted in the Ancient Vajjian Constitution surely (progress) growth, Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

4) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī ye te vajjīnaṃ vajjimahallakā, te sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca sotabbaṃ maññantī’’’ti? - -  Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere (esteem), worship (venerate) and think them worth listening to?’”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī ye te vajjīnaṃ vajjimahallakā, te sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca sotabbaṃ maññantī’’’ti. - “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth listening to.’”

 ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī ye te vajjīnaṃ vajjimahallakā, te sakkarissanti garuṃ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca sotabbaṃ maññissanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the elders of the Vajjians, respect, revere, worship and think them worth listening to, surely progress (growth), Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

5) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo, tā na okkassa pasayha vāsentī’’’ti? - Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce (rape) and force (abduct) their women and girls to dwell with them against their will?’”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo tā na okkassa pasayha vāsentī’’’ti. - “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians do not coerce (rape) and force (abduct) their women and girls to dwell with them against their will.’”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī yā tā kulitthiyo kulakumāriyo, tā na okkassa pasayha vāsessanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will not coerce and force their women and girls to dwell with them against their will, surely progress (growth), Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

6) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjī yāni tāni Vajjīnaṃ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca, tāni sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti, tesañca dinnapubbaṃ katapubbaṃ dhammikaṃ baliṃ no parihāpentī’’’ti? - Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect, revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected?’” (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?”)

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante – ‘vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṃ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca, tāni sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti tesañca dinnapubbaṃ katapubbaṃ dhammikaṃ baliṃ no parihāpentī’’’ti. - “I have heard this, venerable Sir: ‘The Vajjians honour the Vajjian shrines amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect, revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected.”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjī yāni tāni vajjīnaṃ vajjicetiyāni abbhantarāni ceva bāhirāni ca, tāni sakkarissanti garuṃ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca dinnapubbaṃ katapubbaṃ dhammikaṃ baliṃ no parihāpessanti, vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will honour the Vajjian shrines amongst the Vajjians, both within and without the city, respect, revere, and worship them, and do not allow the righteous sacrifices that were formerly given, formerly made, to be neglected surely progress (growth), Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.

7) ‘‘Kinti te, ānanda, sutaṃ, ‘vajjīnaṃ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṃvihitā, kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṃ āgaccheyyuṃ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsu vihareyyu’’’nti? - Have you heard, Ānanda: ‘The Vajjians have made good arrangements in regard to the lawful protection (proper protection), safety (shelter), and guarding (security) of the Worthy Ones, so that more Worthy Ones in the future can enter there, and having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in the realm?”

‘‘Sutaṃ metaṃ, bhante ‘vajjīnaṃ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṃvihitā kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṃ āgaccheyyuṃ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsu vihareyyu’’’nti. - “I have heard this, reverend Sir: ‘The Vajjians have made good arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter the realm, and having entered the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in the realm.”

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ arahantesu dhammikā rakkhāvaraṇagutti susaṃvihitā bhavissati, kinti anāgatā ca arahanto vijitaṃ āgaccheyyuṃ, āgatā ca arahanto vijite phāsu vihareyyunti. Vuddhiyeva, ānanda, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī’’ti. -  “For as long, Ānanda, as the Vajjians will make good arrangements in regard to the lawful protection, safety, and guarding of the Worthy Ones, and that the Worthy Ones in the future can enter the realm, and having entered, the Worthy Ones can live comfortably in the realm, surely progress (growth), Ānanda, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.”

135. Atha kho bhagavā vassakāraṃ brāhmaṇaṃ magadhamahāmattaṃ āmantesi – Then the Blessed One addressed the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, saying:

‘‘ekamidāhaṃ, brāhmaṇa, samayaṃ vesāliyaṃ viharāmi sārandade [sānandare (ka.)] cetiye. - “At one time, brahmin, I was living near Vesālī near to the Sārandada Shrine

Tatrāhaṃ vajjīnaṃ ime satta aparihāniye dhamme desesiṃ. - and there I taught the Vajjians these seven things which prevent decline.

Yāvakīvañca, brāhmaṇa, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā vajjīsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu vajjī sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, brāhmaṇa, vajjīnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī’’ti. - For as long, brahmin, as the Vajjians maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the Vajjians agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth, brahmin, is to be expected for the Vajjians not decline.”

Evaṃ vutte, vassakāro brāhmaṇo magadhamahāmatto bhagavantaṃ etadavoca – After this was said, the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra addressed the Gracious One, saying:

‘‘ekamekenapi, bho gotama, aparihāniyena dhammena samannāgatānaṃ vajjīnaṃ vuddhiyeva pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “If the Vajjians, dear Gotama, were endowed with even one or the other of these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth is to be expected not decline,

Ko pana vādo sattahi aparihāniyehi dhammehi. - what to say about having seven things which prevent decline?

Akaraṇīyāva [akaraṇīyā ca (syā. ka.)], bho gotama, vajjī [vajjīnaṃ (ka.)] raññā māgadhena ajātasattunā vedehiputtena yadidaṃ yuddhassa, aññatra upalāpanāya aññatra mithubhedā. - The Vajjians cannot be overcome, dear Gotama, by Ajātasattu - the King of Magadha, the son of Vedehi, by war, but only through diplomacy, or through the breaking of an alliance.

Handa ca dāni mayaṃ, bho gotama, gacchāma, bahukiccā mayaṃ bahukaraṇīyā’’ti. - And now, dear Gotama, we shall go, as we have many duties, and there is much which ought to be done.”

‘‘Yassadāni tvaṃ, brāhmaṇa, kālaṃ maññasī’’ti. - “Now is the time, brahmin, for whatever you are thinking.”

Atha kho vassakāro brāhmaṇo magadhamahāmatto bhagavato bhāsitaṃ abhinanditvā anumoditvā uṭṭhāyāsanā pakkāmi. - Then the Magadhan chief minister the brahmin Vassakāra, after greatly rejoicing and gladly receiving this word of the Gracious One, rose from his seat and departed.

3:  Bhikkhuaparihāniyadhammā  Seven Things which Prevent Decline in the Community

136. Atha kho bhagavā acirapakkante vassakāre brāhmaṇe magadhamahāmatte āyasmantaṃ ānandaṃ āmantesi – Then the Blessed One, not long after the Magadhan chief minister, the brahmin Vassakāra, had gone, addressed venerable Ānanda, saying:

‘‘gaccha tvaṃ, ānanda, yāvatikā bhikkhū rājagahaṃ upanissāya viharanti, te sabbe upaṭṭhānasālāyaṃ sannipātehī’’ti. - “Go, Ānanda, and whatever monks there are living in dependence on Rājagaha, assemble them in the Attendance Hall.”

‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho āyasmā ānando bhagavato paṭissutvā yāvatikā bhikkhū rājagahaṃ upanissāya viharanti, te sabbe upaṭṭhānasālāyaṃ sannipātetvā yena bhagavā tenupasaṅkami; - “Very well, venerable Sir,” said venerable Ānanda, and after replying to the Blessed One, and assembling whatever monks there were living in dependence on Rājagaha in the Attendance Hall,

upasaṅkamitvā bhagavantaṃ abhivādetvā ekamantaṃ aṭṭhāsi. – he approached the Blessed One, and after approaching and worshipping the Blessed One, he stood on one side.

 Ekamantaṃ ṭhito kho āyasmā ānando bhagavantaṃ etadavoca – While standing on one side venerable Ānanda said this to the Blessed One:

‘‘sannipatito, bhante, bhikkhusaṅgho, yassadāni, bhante, bhagavā kālaṃ maññatī’’ti. - “The Community of monks have assembled, venerable Sir, now is the time, Blessed One, for whatever you are thinking.”

Atha kho bhagavā uṭṭhāyāsanā yena upaṭṭhānasālā tenupasaṅkami; - Then the Blessed One after rising from his seat approached the Attendance Hall, and after approaching he sat down on the prepared seat.

upasaṅkamitvā paññatte āsane nisīdi. Nisajja kho bhagavā bhikkhū āmantesi – While sitting the Gracious One addressed the monks, saying:

‘‘satta vo, bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi, taṃ suṇātha, sādhukaṃ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī’’ti. - “I will teach you seven things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”

‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṃ. Bhagavā etadavoca – “Very well, venerable Sir,” those monks replied to the Blessed One, and the Blessed One said this:

1) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū abhiṇhaṃ sannipātā sannipātabahulā bhavissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - “For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble regularly and assemble frequently, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū samaggā sannipatissanti, samaggā vuṭṭhahissanti, samaggā saṅghakaraṇīyāni karissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks will assemble unanimously, rise unanimously, and carry out their Community duties unanimously, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū apaññattaṃ na paññapessanti, paññattaṃ na samucchindissanti, yathāpaññattesu sikkhāpadesu samādāya vattissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks do not establish new laws that were not established, or cut off old laws that were established, and they carry on with such training-rules as have been accepted, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū ye te bhikkhū therā rattaññū cirapabbajitā saṅghapitaro saṅghapariṇāyakā, te sakkarissanti garuṃ karissanti mānessanti pūjessanti, tesañca sotabbaṃ maññissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. For as long, monks, as the monks will honour the elder monks, those of long-standing, a long time gone-forth, the Fathers of the Community, the Leaders of the Community, respect, revere, worship and think them worth listening to, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū uppannāya taṇhāya ponobbhavikāya na vasaṃ gacchissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks will not come under the influence of craving which has arisen for continued existence, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū āraññakesu senāsanesu sāpekkhā bhavissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks will have desire for forest dwellings, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū paccattaññeva satiṃ upaṭṭhapessanti – ‘kinti anāgatā ca pesalā sabrahmacārī āgaccheyyuṃ, āgatā ca pesalā sabrahmacārī phāsu [phāsuṃ (sī. syā. pī.)] vihareyyu’nti. Vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks individually will attend to the ways of mindfulness, so that their fellow celibates, who are well-behaved, in the future can come, and having come to their fellow celibates, who are well-behaved, can live comfortably, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely progress (growth), monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community

137. ‘‘Aparepi vo, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi, taṃ suṇātha, sādhukaṃ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī’’ti.– I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”

‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṃ. Bhagavā etadavoca  - “Very well, venerable Sir,” those monks replied to the Blessed One, and the Blessed One said this:

1) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na kammārāmā bhavissanti na kammaratā na kammārāmatamanuyuttā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  “For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in work, the delight in work, and are not attached to work, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na bhassārāmā bhavissanti na bhassaratā na bhassārāmatamanuyuttā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in speech, the delight in speech, and are not attached to speech, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na niddārāmā bhavissanti na niddāratā na niddārāmatamanuyuttā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure in sleep, the delight in sleep, and are not attached to sleep, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na saṅgaṇikārāmā bhavissanti na saṅgaṇikaratā na saṅgaṇikārāmatamanuyuttā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks are not devoted to the pleasure of company, the delight in company, and are not attached to company, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na pāpicchā bhavissanti na pāpikānaṃ icchānaṃ vasaṃ gatā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks do not have evil wishes, do not go under the influence of evil wishes, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na pāpamittā bhavissanti na pāpasahāyā na pāpasampavaṅkā, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks do not have wicked friends, do not have wicked companions, do not have wicked comrades, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū na oramattakena visesādhigamena antarāvosānaṃ āpajjissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks do not achieve only mundane or incomplete attainment (insignificant distinction), surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

 ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (15–21)

138. ‘‘Aparepi vo, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi…pe… I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.” “Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One, and the Gracious One said this:

1) ‘‘yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū saddhā bhavissanti -  “For as long, monks, as the monks will have faith, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2)…pe… hirimanā bhavissanti -  For as long, monks, as the monks will have a conscientious mind, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3)… ottappī bhavissanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will have a sense of shame, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4)bahussutā bhavissanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will be learned, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5)āraddhavīriyā bhavissanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will be strenuous, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6)upaṭṭhitassatī bhavissanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will attend to mindfulness, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7)paññavanto bhavissanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. For as long, monks, as the monks will possess wisdom, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (22–28)

139. ‘‘Aparepi vo, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi, taṃ suṇātha, sādhukaṃ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī’’ti. - I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”

‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṃ. Bhagavā etadavoca – “Very well, venerable Sir,” those monks replied to the Blessed One, and the Blessed One said this:

1) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhu satisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…pe… “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Mindfulness, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2)dhammavicayasambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Investigation of the nature of things, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3)vīriyasambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Energy, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4)pītisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Rapture, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5)passaddhisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Calm, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6)samādhisambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Concentration, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7)upekkhāsambojjhaṅgaṃ bhāvessanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the factor of Perfect Awakening that is Equanimity, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7: Seven Further Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (29–35)

140. ‘‘Aparepi vo, bhikkhave, satta aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi, taṃ suṇātha, sādhukaṃ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī’’ti. I will teach you a further seven things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”

 ‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṃ. Bhagavā etadavoca – “Very well, venerable Sir,” those monks replied to the Blessed One, and the Blessed One said this:

1) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū aniccasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…pe…  “For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of impermanence, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2)anattasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of non-self, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3)asubhasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of the unattractive, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4)ādīnavasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of danger, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5)pahānasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of giving up, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6)virāgasaññaṃ bhāvessanti…  For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of dispassion, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

7)nirodhasaññaṃ bhāvessanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. For as long, monks, as the monks will develop the perception of cessation, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime satta aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca sattasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these seven things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these seven things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

8: Six Things which Prevent Decline in the Community (36–41)

141. ‘‘Cha, vo bhikkhave, aparihāniye dhamme desessāmi, taṃ suṇātha, sādhukaṃ manasikarotha, bhāsissāmī’’ti. I will teach you a further six things which prevent decline, listen to it, apply your minds well, and I will speak.”

‘‘Evaṃ, bhante’’ti kho te bhikkhū bhagavato paccassosuṃ. Bhagavā etadavoca –“Very well, reverend Sir,” those monks replied to the Gracious One, and the Gracious One said this:

1) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū mettaṃ kāyakammaṃ paccupaṭṭhāpessanti sabrahmacārīsu āvi ceva raho ca, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. “For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of the body will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

2) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū mettaṃ vacīkammaṃ paccupaṭṭhāpessanti …pe… - For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of speech will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

3)mettaṃ manokammaṃ paccupaṭṭhāpessanti sabrahmacārīsu āvi ceva raho ca, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks with friendly actions by way of the mind will serve their fellow celibates, both in public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

4) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū, ye te lābhā dhammikā dhammaladdhā antamaso pattapariyāpannamattampi tathārūpehi lābhehi appaṭivibhattabhogī bhavissanti sīlavantehi sabrahmacārīhi sādhāraṇabhogī, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks in regard to those righteous gains, received in accordance with the Teaching—whatever amount has been received in the bowl—will divide and share such gains with those who are virtuous, fellow celibates, and share them in common, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

5) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū yāni kāni sīlāni akhaṇḍāni acchiddāni asabalāni akammāsāni bhujissāni viññūpasatthāni [viññuppasatthāni (sī.)] aparāmaṭṭhāni samādhisaṃvattanikāni tathārūpesu sīlesu sīlasāmaññagatā viharissanti sabrahmacārīhi āvi ceva raho ca, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. - For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with those virtues which are unbroken, faultless, unspotted, unblemished, productive of freedom, praised by the wise, not clung to, leading to concentration, and will live endowed with virtue amongst their fellow celibates who themselves possess such virtue, both in public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

6) ‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, bhikkhū yāyaṃ diṭṭhi ariyā niyyānikā, niyyāti takkarassa sammā dukkhakkhayāya, tathārūpāya diṭṭhiyā diṭṭhisāmaññagatā viharissanti sabrahmacārīhi āvi ceva raho ca, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihāni. -  For as long, monks, as the monks are endowed with that which is Ariyan View, which leads out, which leads to the complete destruction of suffering for one who acts thus, and will live endowed with Right View amongst those who themselves possess such Right View, both in public and in private, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.

‘‘Yāvakīvañca, bhikkhave, ime cha aparihāniyā dhammā bhikkhūsu ṭhassanti, imesu ca chasu aparihāniyesu dhammesu bhikkhū sandississanti, vuddhiyeva, bhikkhave, bhikkhūnaṃ pāṭikaṅkhā, no parihānī’’ti. - For as long, monks, as the monks will maintain these six things which prevent decline, and the monks will agree with these six things which prevent decline, surely growth, monks, is to be expected for the monks, not decline.”

142. Tatra sudaṃ bhagavā rājagahe viharanto gijjhakūṭe pabbate etadeva bahulaṃ bhikkhūnaṃ dhammiṃ kathaṃ karoti –There also the Gracious One, while living near Rājagaha on the Vultures’ Peak Mountain, spoke frequently to the monks about the Teaching, saying:

‘‘iti sīlaṃ, iti samādhi, iti paññā. “Such is virtue, such is concentration, such is wisdom,

Sīlaparibhāvito samādhi mahapphalo hoti mahānisaṃso. when virtue is well-developed it yields great fruit and brings great advantages in regard to concentration,

Samādhiparibhāvitā paññā mahapphalā hoti mahānisaṃsā. when concentration is well-developed it yields great fruit and brings great advantages in regard to wisdom,

Paññāparibhāvitaṃ cittaṃ sammadeva āsavehi vimuccati, - when wisdom is well-developed the mind is completely liberated from the pollutants,

seyyathidaṃ – kāmāsavā, bhavāsavā, avijjāsavā’’ti. that is to say: the pollutant of sensuality, the pollutant of craving for continued existence, the pollutant of ignorance.”

Recommended Readings:
Mahaparinibbana Sutta (Sinhala)
Mahaparinibbana Sutta (Pali) (Chatthasangayana)
Bhikkhu Anandajoti's English Translation
Bhikkhu Sujato's English Translation
https://bhanteshantashobhana.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/first-blog-post/
The Seven Conditions of Welfare
Bhikkhu-aparihaniya Sutta: Conditions for No Decline Among the Monks
Social Philosophy in Buddhism
Seven Conditions of Welfare

Video Links:
Nauyane Ariyadhamma Nahimi (Sinhala)
Ajahn Brahmali (English) - this is a series of talks.