佛說進學經
The Sutra on Progress in Learning Spoken by the Buddha
宋居士沮渠京聲譯
Translated by Layman Song Juqu Jingsheng
聞如是：
This is what I have heard:
一時佛遊舍衛祇樹之園須達精舍，大賢眾千二百五十人。佛告諸比丘：「有四雅行，智者常遵，丈夫所修，達士恒奉，不才愚夫所不好樂。何等為四？孝事父母，悅色養足；守仁行慈，終始不殺；惠施濟乏，未曾悋逆；遭值聖世，捐榮履道。是四雅行，智者所遵，丈夫所修，達士所奉，不才愚夫所不好樂。」
At one time, the Buddha was dwelling at the Jeta Grove, Anathapindika’s Park, in Shravasti, accompanied by a great assembly of 1,250 bhikkhus. The Buddha addressed the bhikkhus, saying: "There are four noble practices. The wise always uphold them; they are cultivated by noble persons and constantly honored by accomplished ones, yet they are not cherished by the unwise and foolish. What are these four? To serve one’s parents with filial devotion, providing for them with a joyful and respectful heart; to uphold kindness and act compassionately, completely refraining from taking life; to give generously to those in need, helping the destitute without stinginess or reluctance; and when encountering a time of sages and saints, to renounce personal honor and walk the path of truth. These are the four noble practices continually upheld by the wise, cultivated by noble persons, honored by accomplished ones, yet not cherished by the unwise and foolish."
佛時頌曰：
The Buddha then spoke these verses:
「智者稱孝， 愍命慈活， 放施普給，
超俗崇寂。 如是正業， 明士所習，
聖見已具， 定至無為。」
The wise praise acts of love and kindness, protecting life with compassion, providing help to all.
They rise above worldly habits and honor stillness. This is the true path cultivated by those with clear understanding.
Having attained the sacred vision, they arrive at peace, where nothing need be done.
佛告比丘：「復有二法，若在閑宴，或處大眾，心行莫懈：一者靜寂，賢聖默定；二者博學，講論邃義。又有二施：飲食美味以安身命；敷散經典開微悅聽。食施安身，法施遷神；一事雖快，法施為最。是以比丘念演妙法，宣慧莫癡；既自洗濯，并淨塵著。如是道法，永度無窮，乃名出家，具足覺了。」
The Buddha said to the monks:
"There are two practices to observe, whether you are alone in peaceful retreat or living among the assembly; do not allow your mind to grow slack:
The first is stillness—the noble silence of meditation and true composure.
The second is study—learning widely and discussing the profound meaning of the teachings.
There are also two kinds of giving:
One is giving material food and delicious flavors to sustain the body and life.
The other is spreading and teaching the scriptures to open the subtle truth and delight the listener.
The gift of food brings comfort to the body; the gift of the Dharma moves and uplifts the spirit.
Although both bring joy, the gift of the Dharma is supreme.
Therefore, monks, remember to expound the wonderful Dharma; proclaim wisdom, not ignorance.
In this way, you purify yourselves and also cleanse the stains of others.
Following this path of truth leads safely across the endless flow of existence—only this can be called true renunciation, fulfilling complete awakening."
佛說經竟，比丘歡喜，作禮受教。
The Buddha finished speaking the sutra. The monks were filled with joy, bowed in reverence, and received his teaching.
佛說進學經
Dharma Teaching on Advancing in Learning Sutra