At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling at Sāvatthi, in Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park. There, the Blessed One addressed the bhikkhus:
"Bhikkhus, there are these seven qualities that lead to the decline of a trainee bhikkhu. What seven?
Relishing work, relishing talk, relishing sleep, relishing pleasure of company, being unguarded in sense faculties, lack of moderation in eating, and moreover there are communal duties. There, a trainee reflects, 'There are elders in the Saṅgha who are experienced, long gone forth, bearing the burden; they will be recognized for this.' Yet, he still engages in these duties himself. These seven qualities lead to the decline of a trainee bhikkhu.Bhikkhus, there are these seven qualities that lead to the non-decline of a trainee bhikkhu. What seven?
Not relishing work, not relishing talk, not relishing sleep, not relishing pleasure of company, being guarded in sense faculties, having moderation in eating, and moreover, there are communal duties. There, a trainee reflects, 'There are elders in the Saṅgha who are experienced, long gone forth, bearing the burden; they will be recognized for this.' Therefore, he does not engage in these duties himself. These seven qualities lead to the non-decline of a trainee bhikkhu."
The words relish and pleasure and immoderation are pointing to indulging in an activity with passion/craving/desire/attachment. When one does this, one is unable to train and progress per the training guidelines that the Buddha shares.
Related Teachings:
Gradual training, gradual practice and gradual progress (MN 107) - The gradual training guideline teaching of the Buddha is how a student starting out in the teachings of the Buddha should gradually practice in to see gradual progress.
Fear arises from harm (Snp 4.15) - The Buddha shares in poignant terms his observations on the agitation all beings experience which led to his urgency to awaken. He then shares on the path to awakening and describes the dwelling of an awakened being.
