ⓘ
Dhammapada verses 100-115 share the importance of one teaching that brings peace, the benefits of self-conquest, the value of honoring the awakened, and the importance of seeing the ultimate truth.
Sahassavagga - Chapter 8 - One Thousand
100
Rather than a thousand sayings, if they are meaningless; One saying is better, which upon hearing brings peace.
101
Rather than a hundred verses, if they are meaningless; One Dhamma verse is better, which upon hearing brings peace.
102
Even if one recites a hundred verses, if they are meaningless; One Dhammapada verse is better, which upon hearing brings peace.
103
Even if one were to conquer a thousand men, with a thousand others in battle; Yet if one conquers oneself alone, that one is indeed the unsurpassed conqueror in battle.
104
Self-conquest is truly better, than conquering others; For one who has mastered oneself, continuously dwells with restraint.
105
Neither a god, nor a celestial being, nor Māra together with Brahmā; Can undo the victory of one who is like that, a person who has conquered themselves.
106
Even if one were to make a thousand offerings every month, consistently for a hundred years; And yet, if one were to honor for even a moment, a person who is awakened; That honor is indeed better, than a hundred years of offerings.
107
Even if one were to attend to the [sacred] fire in the forest, for a hundred years, And yet, if one were to honor for even a moment, a person who is awakened; That honor is indeed better, than a hundred years of offerings.
108
Whatever is given or offered in the world, If one were to give that throughout the year, seeking merit; All of that does not come to a fourth part, of the honor given to the steadfast, which is indeed better.
109
For one who is respectful, and regularly honors the elders; Four qualities grow: life span, beauty, contentment, and strength.
110
Even if one were to live a hundred years, unprincipled and distracted; Better is a single day of life, of a virtuous person who meditates.
111
Even if one were to live a hundred years, undiscerning and distracted; Better is a single day of life, of a discerning person who meditates.
112
Even if one were to live a hundred years, lazy and weak in effort; Better is a single day of life, of one who makes steady effort.
113
Even if one were to live a hundred years, without seeing arising and passing away; Better is a single day of life, of one who sees arising and passing away.
114
Even if one were to live a hundred years, without seeing the deathless state; Better is a single day of life, of one who sees the deathless state.
115
Even if one were to live a hundred years, without seeing the ultimate truth; Better is a single day of life, of one who sees the ultimate truth.