Dhammapada 100

Better than a thousand words made up of meaningless phrases is one meaningful phrase that brings…

Better than a thousand words made up of meaningless phrases is one meaningful phrase that brings calm when heard.

Translated from the Pāli by Banya

In plain words

The value of speech is not measured by how many words it contains. A brief statement that means something and settles the listener is valued above a mass of empty talk.

Key words

atthapada

meaningful phrase — Attha includes meaning or benefit, not just verbal information.

The story behind the verse

A public executioner

In the commentary, a man who had joined a band of thieves agreed to execute his companions to save himself, and he then served as the public executioner for many years. When he became too infirm for the work, he was dismissed, and Sāriputta visited and received food from him. The man was troubled by the killings and struggled to attend to the teaching, and Sāriputta helped him listen, and the conversation led to spiritual understanding. The commentary says the man died afterward and was reborn in the Tusita world, and the Buddha explained the value of meaningful instruction from a good spiritual friend.

Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).

Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.