VIII.SAHASSVAGGA. THOUSANDS

100. Better than a thousand utterances with useless words is one single beneficial word, by hearing which one is pacified.

101. Better than a thousand verses with useless words is one beneficial single line, by hearing which one is pacified.

102. Should one recite a hundred verses with useless words, better is one single word of the Dhamma, by hearing which one is pacified.

103. Though he should conquer a thousand thousand men in battlefield, yet he, indeed, is the noblest victor who should conquer himself.

104, 105. Self-conquest is, indeed, far greater than the conquest of all other folk; neither a god nor a gandhabba, nor Mara with Brahma, can win back the victory of such a person who is self-subdued and ever lives in restraint.

106. Though month after month with a thousand, one should make an offering for a hundred years, yet, if only for a moment, one should honour one whose self has been well trained, that honour is, indeed, better than a century of sacrifice.

107. Though a man for a century should tend the (sacred) fire in the forest, yet, if only for a moment, he should honour one whose self has been well trained, that honour is, indeed, better than a century of sacrifice.

108. In this world whatever gift or alms a person seeking merit should offer for a year, all that is not worth a single quarter. Better is homage towards the Upright.

109. For one who frequently honours and respects elders, four things increase: age, beauty, bliss, and strength.

110. Though he should live a hundred years, immortal and uncontrolled, yet better, indeed, is it to live one single day, virtuous and meditative.

111. Though one should live a hundred years, without wisdom and control, yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who is moral and meditative.

112. Though one should live a hundred years, idle and inactive, yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who makes an intense effort.

113.Though one should live a hundred years, without comprehending rising and passing away, yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who comprehends rising and passing away.

114. Though one should live a hundred years, without seeing the deathless state, yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who sees the deathless state.

115. Though one should live a hundred years, not seeing the Truth sublime ; yet better, indeed, is the single day's life of one who sees the Truth sublime.