Translated in the Song Dynasty by Layman Juqu Jingsheng
Heard like this.
At one time, the Buddha was staying in Śrāvastī, in the Jeta Grove, at Anāthapiṇḍada’s Monastery, together with an assembly of one thousand two hundred and fifty great worthies. The Buddha told the bhikṣus, “There are four noble practices that the wise constantly follow, that worthy men cultivate, and that those of understanding always uphold, but that incapable and foolish people do not delight in. What are these four? Filially serve one’s parents, caring for them with a pleasing countenance; uphold benevolence and practice loving-kindness, never taking life; generously give to relieve those in need, never being stingy or refusing them; and when one encounters an age in which a Noble One appears, relinquish honor and status and follow the Way. These four noble practices are followed by the wise, cultivated by worthy men, and upheld by those of understanding, but are not delighted in by incapable and foolish people.”
At that time, the Buddha spoke this verse:
“The wise praise filial devotion, compassionately cherishing and sustaining life;
they donate and provide for all, transcending worldly ways and esteeming tranquility.
Such are the right deeds cultivated by those of understanding;
they understand the Noble, they will certainly reach the Unconditioned.”
The Buddha told the bhikṣus, “There are also two practices in which, whether dwelling in a secluded place or among a great assembly, you should never allow the mind to become negligent. The first is tranquility and stillness, the silent concentration of the Noble Ones. The second is extensive learning and the discussion of profound meanings. There are also two kinds of giving: giving fine food and drink to sustain the body and life, and spreading the scriptures and explaining their subtle meanings so as to delight those who listen. The giving of food sustains the body, while the giving of Dharma transforms the spirit. Although both are good, the giving of Dharma is supreme. Therefore, bhikṣus should be mindful to expound the wondrous Dharma, proclaim wisdom, and not remain in delusion. Having cleansed yourselves, you should also cleanse away attachments to the defilements. By practicing the Dharma of the Way in this manner, you will forever cross beyond the endless course of existence. Only then may one truly be called one who has renounced the household life and has fully attained understanding.”
When the Buddha had finished speaking this Sūtra, the bhikṣus rejoiced, bowed in homage, and accepted the teaching.
Dharma Torch 