KN.DHP100-115 — The Chapter of Thousands
Even if one speaks a thousand words, if they are devoid of meaning, better is a single meaningful word, which, when heard, brings peace. Even if one recites a thousand verses, if they are devoid of meaning, better is a single verse, which, when heard, brings peace.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
For one who is respectful and constantly honors the elders, four qualities increase: life, beauty, happiness, and strength. One may live a hundred years, immoral and uncomposed; better is a single day of life for one who is virtuous and meditative. One may live a hundred years, foolish and uncomposed; better is a single day of life for one who is wise and meditative.
One may live a hundred years, lazy and lacking effort; better is a single day of life for one who makes a firm effort. 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. 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.
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.