SAMYUTTA NIKAYA,SN XL VII.25 A CERTAIN BRAHMIN.

Thus have I heard. On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Savatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anathapindika's Park. Then a certain brahmin approached the Blessed One and exchanged greetings with him. When they had concluded their greetings and cordial talk, he sat down to one side and said to the Blessed One: "Master Gotama, what is the cause and reason why, after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana, the true Dhamma does not endure long? And what is the cause and reason why, after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana, the true Dhamma endures long?" "It is, brahmin, because the four foundations of mindfulness are not developed and cultivated that the true Dhamma does not endure long after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana. And it is because the four foundations of mindfulness are developed and cultivated that the true Dhamma endures long after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana. What four? Here, friend, a bhikkhu dwells contemplating the body in the body ... feelings in feelings ... mind in mind ... mental phenomena in mental phenomena, ardent, clearly comprehending, mindful, removing covetousness and displeasure in regard to the world. It is because these four foundations of mindfulness are not developed and cultivated that the true Dhamma does not endure long after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana. And it is because these four foundations of mindfulness are developed and cultivated that the true Dhamma endures long after a Tathagata has attained final Nibbana" When this was said, that brahmin said to the Blessed One: "Magnificent, Master Gotama! From today let Master Gotama remember me as a lay follower who has gone for refuge for life".

English translation by Bhikhhu Bodhi.END=NAM MO SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA.( 3 TIMES ).RESEARCH BUDDHIST DHARMA BY BACH LIEN HOA.( TAM THANH ).AUSTRALIA.3/2/2012.