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39. “Bhikkhus, when thieves and robbers are strong and powerful, while kings and rulers become weak and powerless, then life itself becomes very difficult. One enters and exits regions and cities with much fear and worry, for the risk of danger is everywhere, even for the basic requirements of life, such as going to work and obtaining one’s own sustenance. “In the same way, Bhikkhus, when those evil and sneaky Bhikkhus become the majority, living without any Sīla or virtue, meanwhile the good and virtuous Bhikkhus become the minority, in facing enormous difficulties, those virtuous Bhikkhus either choose to quietly live the rest of their days somewhere in the midst of The Sangha, or they leave such surroundings and go someplace far, away from the corruptions and distortions they witness being done by evil Bhikkhus and their supporters, to This True and Beautiful Dhamma. “Such times, indeed, Bhikkhus, will be to the detriment and harm of so many people and other beings! For, it will lead to the ruin, suffering, and unhappiness of many, both Devas and humans combined!” “But, when thieves and robbers are weak and powerless, while kings and rulers become strong and powerful, then life itself becomes very easy and enjoyable. One enters and exits regions and cities without any fear or worry, for the risk of danger is nowhere to be found, where people go about their lives with comfort and much ease, as they tend to their work and obtain their sustenance. “In the same way, Bhikkhus, when the good and honest Bhikkhus become the majority, living virtuously with Sīla, meanwhile the evil, non-virtuous, and sneaky Bhikkhus become the minority, then this latter group of monks will either choose to quietly live somewhere in the midst of The Sangha, or they will disrobe or leave such holy surroundings and go somewhere far, away from the upright and steadfast majority of Bhikkhus and their supporters, who protect and live according to This True and Beautiful Dhamma. “Such times, indeed, Bhikkhus, will be for the enormous benefit and wellbeing of so many people and other beings! For, it will lead to the protection, support, and happiness of many, both Devas and humans combined!”