Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Practice one dharma, and widely propagate one dharma.
Having practiced and propagated this one dharma, you will gain renown, attain great fruits, experience all wholesome qualities, taste the nectar of liberation, reach the unconditioned state, attain spiritual powers, dispel distracting thoughts, achieve the fruits of the Shramana path, and realize Nirvaana.
What is this one dharma?
It is mindfulness of the Dharma (Dharmaanusmriti).”
The Budha addressed the bhikshus:
“How does practicing mindfulness of the Dharma lead to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana?”
At that time, the bhikshus addressed the Bhagavaan:
“The source of all dharmas is spoken by the Tathaagata. We beseech the Bhagavaan to explain this profound meaning to the bhikshus. Having heard it from the Tathaagata, we will uphold and practice it.”
At that time, the Bhagavaan addressed the bhikshus:
“Listen carefully! Listen carefully! Reflect deeply on this, for I will explain it to you in detail.”
The bhikshus replied: “So it is, Bhagavaan.”
The bhikshus then respectfully accepted the teaching.
The Budha said:
“If a bhikshu, with upright body and mind, sits cross-legged, fixes his mindfulness, and is free from distracting thoughts, single-mindedly practicing mindfulness of the Dharma, he will eradicate all desires and attachments, and the thirst for craving will never arise again.
The true Dharma leads from desire to desirelessness, freeing one from all fetters and the afflictions of the hindrances. This Dharma is like the fragrance of fine incense, free from impurities and distracting thoughts.
Thus, bhikshus, practicing mindfulness of the Dharma leads to renown, great fruits, the arising of all wholesome qualities, the taste of the nectar of liberation, the attainment of the unconditioned state, the realization of spiritual powers, the dispelling of distracting thoughts, the achievement of the Shramana fruits, and the realization of Nirvaana.
Therefore, bhikshus, always reflect and never stray from mindfulness of the Dharma. In this way, you will attain these virtuous qualities.
Thus, bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this manner.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.