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23. “Bhikkhus, these two characters distort the words spoken by The Tathāgata. Which two? “The one who states and explains what was never uttered or explained by The Tathāgata, as having been taught by The Tathāgata, while the other states and explains what was indeed uttered and explained by The Tathāgata Himself, but while denying that they were ever spoken or taught by Him. “Therefore, Bhikkhus, these two characters distort the words spoken by The Tathāgata. “On the other hand, these two individuals do not distort the words spoken by The Tathāgata. Which two? “The one who states and explains what was never uttered or explained by The Tathāgata, as never having been spoken or taught by Him, in the first place. Meanwhile, the other states and explains what was truly uttered and explained by The Tathāgata Himself, as having been spoken and taught by Him, indeed. “Therefore, Bhikkhus, these are the two individuals who do not distort the words spoken by The Tathāgata.”