The teachings of the Lord Buddha, once known, must be earnestly put into practice. By what measure is this assessed? It is measured by whether wholesome habits arise within those who carry out the work of propagation. If no improvement in character is observed, it indicates that those entrusted with propagation have fallen short in their role. Those who receive the teaching and training derive no genuine benefit, and the effort expended is rendered fruitless.
Therefore, the true measure of whether propagation has been carried out well — and to what degree — lies in this: that the knowledge of Buddhism, particularly the understanding of suffering and the practice leading to liberation from suffering, having been received, is then put into practice so as to give rise to wholesome habits of character. Better still if such practice develops further into virtue and moral integrity firmly established within the heart. It is precisely because Buddhism is founded upon this principle that it has endured as the longest-living institution in the world.
Source: A Dhamma Teaching delivered at the Dhamma Missionary Training Programme, Group 8 At Wat Ratchaorasaram, Bangkok March 10th, 2016
