[73] Then a certain bhikkhu approached the Blessed One; having approached and paid homage to the Blessed One, he sat down to one side. Sitting to one side, that bhikkhu said this to the Blessed One: "'One who dwells in the Dhamma, one who dwells in the Dhamma,' venerable sir, it is said. In what way, venerable sir, is a bhikkhu one who dwells in the Dhamma?"
"Here a bhikkhu learns the Dhamma — the discourses (sutta), the discourses mixed with verses (geyya), the prose-expositions (veyyākaraṇa), the verses (gāthā), the exclamations (udāna), the thus-said discourses (itivuttaka), the birth-stories (jātaka), the marvellous ideas (abbhutadhamma), and the question-and-answer discourses (vedalla). He passes the day with that learning of the Dhamma (pariyatti); he neglects seclusion (paṭisallāna) and does not devote himself to internal serenity of mind (cetosamatha). This bhikkhu is called one abundant in learning, not one who dwells in the Dhamma (dhammavihārī).
"Furthermore, a bhikkhu teaches the Dhamma in detail to others as he has heard it and learned it. He passes the day with that describing of the Dhamma; he neglects seclusion and does not devote himself to internal serenity of mind. This bhikkhu is called one abundant in describing, not one who dwells in the Dhamma.
"Furthermore, a bhikkhu recites the Dhamma in detail as he has heard it and learned it. He passes the day with that recitation; he neglects seclusion and does not devote himself to internal serenity of mind. This bhikkhu is called one abundant in recitation, not one who dwells in the Dhamma.
"Furthermore, a bhikkhu thinks over, ponders over, and mentally examines the Dhamma as he has heard it and learned it. He passes the day with those thoughts about the Dhamma; he neglects seclusion and does not devote himself to internal serenity of mind. This bhikkhu is called one abundant in thinking, not one who dwells in the Dhamma.
"Here a bhikkhu learns the Dhamma — the discourses, the discourses mixed with verses, the prose-expositions, the verses, the exclamations, the thus-said discourses, the birth-stories, the marvellous ideas, and the question-and-answer discourses. He does not pass the day with that learning of the Dhamma; he does not neglect seclusion, and he devotes himself to internal serenity of mind. It is in this way that a bhikkhu is one who dwells in the Dhamma.
"Thus, bhikkhu, I have taught the one abundant in learning, taught the one abundant in describing, taught the one abundant in recitation, taught the one abundant in thinking, and taught the one who dwells in the Dhamma. Whatever, bhikkhu, should be done by a teacher who seeks the welfare of his disciples, who has compassion for them, out of compassion, that has been done for you by me. These, bhikkhu, are the roots of trees; these are empty dwellings. Meditate, bhikkhu; do not be negligent; do not be remorseful later. This is our instruction to you."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.