English
8. The Chapter of Thousands 100. Though a thousand words be joined with meaningless phrases, Better is one meaningful word, which, heard, brings peace. 101. Though a thousand verses be joined with meaningless phrases, Better is one verse-phrase, which, heard, brings peace. 102. Though one recites a hundred verses joined with meaningless phrases, Better is one Dharma-phrase, which, heard, brings peace. 103. One who in battle conquers a thousand times a thousand men, But one who conquers oneself, is indeed the supreme victor in battle. 104. Self-conquest is indeed better than the conquest of other people. For one who is self-controlled, always restrained in conduct, 105. Neither a god, nor a gandhabba, nor Māra with Brahmā, Can turn the victory into defeat for such a being. 106. Month after month, with a thousand, one might sacrifice for a hundred years; But if one honors for a moment one who has developed the self, That honor is better than a hundred years of sacrifice. 107. Though a being for a hundred years might tend the fire in the forest; But if one honors for a moment one who has developed the self, That honor is better than a hundred years of sacrifice. 108. Whatever is sacrificed or offered in the world, for a year, by one seeking merit; All that does not amount to a fourth part of reverence for those who are upright. 109. For one who is habitually respectful, always honoring the elders, Four qualities increase: life, beauty, happiness, strength. 110. Though one lives a hundred years, immoral and uncontrolled; Better is one day of life for one who is virtuous and meditative. 111. Though one lives a hundred years, ignorant and uncontrolled; Better is one day of life for one who is wise and meditative. 112. Though one lives a hundred years, lazy and of weak effort; Better is one day of life for one who firmly undertakes effort. 113. Though one lives a hundred years, not seeing rise and fall; Better is one day of life Better, seeing rise and fall. 114. And whoever lives a hundred years, not seeing the deathless state; A single day's life is better, for one who sees the deathless state. 115. And whoever lives a hundred years, not seeing the supreme Dhamma; A single day's life is better, for one who sees the supreme Dhamma. The Chapter on Thousands, the Eighth, is finished.