A Buddhist that will Deteriorate

7 things will lead a Buddhist to deteriorate in the teachings:

1. He fails to visit the Sangha(Monks) often
2. He neglects the hearing of the true Dhamma
3. He does not train himself is higher-virtues(Not keeping 5 precepts seriously)
4. He has little trust in the monks(Senior, mid-term or a novice)
5. He holds a critical mind towards the Dhamma, seeking for faults about it.
6. He finds other recipients worthy of services and gifts more than the Sangha
7. And he serves them first (in high priority than the Sangha)


"He who never fails to see the cultivated ones(Sangha),
and hears the Noble dhamma,

Who trains himself in higher virtues,
whose trust in monks grow ever more and more,

Who neither listens to the true Dhamma not carpingly,
nor seeks gifts worthy outwards,
but within, the lay disciples firstly serves.

These are the seven things declared for non-decline."

Anguttara Nikaya 7.31, Parabhava Sutta


Golden Rule:
No matter how busy you are, make it a habit or routine, to set a portion of your time to visit monks, Dhamma activities in BS frequently, and get yourself some food for the heart!