KN.DHP100-115 — The Chapter of Thousands
The Story of Tambadāṭhika the Bandit Slayer
Even if one speaks a thousand words, if they are devoid of meaning, better is a single meaningful word, which, when heard, brings peace.
The Story of Bāhiya Dārucīriya
Even if one recites a thousand verses, if they are devoid of meaning, better is a single verse, which, when heard, brings peace.
The Story of the Nun Kuṇḍalakesī
One may speak hundreds of verses, if they are devoid of meaning, better is a single line of the Dhamma, which, when heard, brings peace.
The Story of the Brahmin Who Asked About the Unprofitable
One who conquers a thousand times a thousand men in battle is not the greatest conqueror. The one who conquers himself is truly the greatest conqueror.
The Story of the Brahmin Uncle of Sāriputta
It is better to conquer oneself than to conquer others. For one who is self-controlled, always living with restraint, neither a god, nor a celestial being, nor Māra, nor Brahmā can turn victory into defeat.
The Story of the Nephew of Sāriputta
If one were to sacrifice a thousand times every month for a hundred years, and if one were to honor a self-developed person even for a moment, that honor is better than a hundred years of sacrifice.
The Story of the Brahmin Friend of Sāriputta
If a person were to tend a fire in the forest for a hundred years, and if one were to honor a self-developed person even for a moment, that honor is better than a hundred years of sacrifice.
The Story of the Prince Who Increases Life
Whatever is offered or sacrificed in the world for a year, seeking merit, all that is not worth a quarter of the reverence shown to the upright.
The Story of the Novice Saṅkicca
For one who is respectful and constantly honors the elders, four qualities increase: life, beauty, happiness, and strength.
The Story of the Elder Khāṇukoṇḍañña
One may live a hundred years, immoral and uncomposed; better is a single day of life for one who is virtuous and meditative.
The Story of the Elder Sabbadāsa
One may live a hundred years, foolish and uncomposed; better is a single day of life for one who is wise and meditative.
The Story of the Nun Paṭācārā
One may live a hundred years, lazy and lacking effort; better is a single day of life for one who makes a firm effort.
The Story of Kisāgotamī
One may live a hundred years, not seeing the arising and passing away; better is a single day of life for one who sees the arising and passing away.
The Story of the Nun Bahuputtikā
One may live a hundred years, not seeing the deathless state; better is a single day of life for one who sees the deathless state.
The Story of the Nun Bahuputtikā
One may live a hundred years, not seeing the supreme Dhamma; better is a single day of life for one who sees the supreme Dhamma.