Dhammapda 100
(Sayings of the Dhamma)
Sahassa
(Thousands)
Even if (there are) a thousand words
Anatthapada saṃhitā
(that are) composed of meaningless words,
Ekaṃ atthapadaṃ seyyo
One meaningful word is better,
Yaṃ sutvā upasammati
which, having heard, brings peace (to the mind).
Full Translation:
Even if a thousand words are spoken, if they are meaningless,
one meaningful word is better—hearing which, one becomes peaceful.
Story: Tambadāṭhika Coraghātaka Vatthu
Notes:
Anatthapada saṃhitā: Meaningless expressions—such as descriptions of the sky, mountains, forests, and the like—spoken by those who do not reveal the path leading onward (to liberation), then the more such words increase, the more harmful they are.
Atthapadaṃ: A single word that conveys true meaning—connected with Nibbāna and illuminating the aggregates, elements, sense bases, faculties, powers, factors of awakening, and the foundations of mindfulness—is indeed supreme.
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