Dhammapda 101
(Sayings of the Dhamma)
Sahassa
(Thousands)
Even if (there are) a thousand verses
Anatthapada saṃhitā
(that are) composed of meaningless words,
Ekaṃ gāthāpadaṃ seyyo
better is a single line of verse,
Yaṃ sutvā upasammati
which, having heard, brings peace (to the mind).
Full Translation:
Even if there are a thousand verses composed of meaningless words, better is a single line of verse which, upon hearing, brings peace to the mind.
Story: Bāhiyadārucīriya Thera 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.
Gāthāpadaṃ: A single line of verse 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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