The beautiful royal chariots deteriorate, and also the body grows old; but the Dhamma of the good does not age. The good proclaim it to the good.

Jīranti ve rājarathā sucittā — the beautiful royal chariots deteriorate: the king’s chariots, decorated with art and built with the best materials, nevertheless deteriorate. If even the most beautiful and costly things cannot resist time, nothing material does.

Atho sarīrampi jaraṃ upeti — and also the body grows old: the body follows the same law as royal chariots. There is no exception for human physical form, however well cared for.

Satañca dhammo na jaraṃ upeti — but the Dhamma of the good does not age: the contrast is the central teaching of the vagga. Everything ages except the dhamma (here both the teaching and moral quality) of the santa (the good). The Dhamma is akālika — not subject to time.

Santo have sabbhi pavedayanti — the good proclaim it to the good: pavedayanti is to communicate, proclaim. The chain of transmission between people of good will is what keeps the Dhamma alive through time. This transmission from teacher to disciple is the lifeblood of the Dhamma.