[97] But here, Cunda, a teacher is not a Fully Awakened One (asammāsambuddha), and the doctrine (dhamma) is badly proclaimed, badly expounded, not emancipating, not conducing to peace, proclaimed by one who is not fully awakened; and a disciple in that doctrine dwells practicing in accordance with the doctrine, practicing rightly, conducting himself in conformity with the doctrine; having undertaken that doctrine, he proceeds by it. He should be told thus: 'It is no gain for you, friend; it is ill-gained by you. For your teacher is not a Fully Awakened One, and the doctrine is badly proclaimed, badly expounded, not emancipating, not conducing to peace, proclaimed by one who is not fully awakened; and yet you dwell in that doctrine practicing in accordance with the doctrine, practicing rightly, conducting yourself in conformity with the doctrine; having undertaken that doctrine, you proceed by it.' Thus indeed, Cunda, in that case the teacher is blameworthy, in that case the doctrine is blameworthy, and in that case the disciple too is thus blameworthy. Whoever, Cunda, should speak thus to such a disciple: 'Surely the venerable one is practicing the right method (ñāya) and will succeed in the right method' — then the one who praises, the one whom he praises, and the one who, being praised, arouses energy (vīriya) to a still greater degree — all of these generate much demerit. Why is that? Because so it is, Cunda, in a teaching and discipline (dhammavinaya) that is badly proclaimed, badly expounded, not emancipating, not conducing to peace, proclaimed by one who is not fully awakened.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.