The
Āsavaṭṭhāniya Dhamma refer to the detrimental factors that lead to the decline
and degeneration of the Buddha’s Dispensation (Sāsana). During the twelfth
rainy season (Vassāna) residence in the city of Verañjā, the Venerable
Sāriputta, the Great Arhat, approached the Blessed One and posed the following
query:
“Venerable
Sir, Blessed One, the Dispensation of which Buddhas endured for a long time,
and the Dispensation of which Buddhas did not endure for a long time?” [1]
In response to the Elder Sāriputta’s inquiry, the Blessed One elucidated that the Dispensations of the Buddhas Vipassī, Sikhī, and Vessabhū did not endure for a long time, whereas the Dispensations of the Buddhas Kakusandha, Koṇāgamana, and Kassapa remained long-lasting. Upon being further requested by the Venerable Sāriputta to explain the underlying causes and conditions for this divergence, the Blessed One proclaimed as follows.