Better Than…

Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless words is
one
meaningful
word
that on hearing
brings peace.

Better
than if there were thousands
of meaningless verses is
one
meaningful
line of verse
that on hearing
brings peace.

And better than chanting hundreds
of meaningless verses is
one
Dhamma-saying
that on hearing
brings peace.

This reflection from the Pāli Canon is from Thousands, Dhammapada Chapter 8, Lines 100-102. (Dhp VIII:100-102), translated from Pali by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu.