In short: the Buddha called contentment "the ultimate wealth" (Dhammapada 204). Here are five genuine quotes, each with its source.
1. Dhammapada 204
"Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; trust is the ultimate family; extinguishment, the ultimate happiness."
Dhammapada 204 · More
2. Dhammapada 331
"A friend in need is a blessing; it's a blessing to be content with whatever; good deeds are a blessing at the end of life, and giving up all suffering is a blessing."
Dhammapada 331
3. Snp 1.8
"content and unburdensome, unbusied, living lightly, alert, with senses calmed"
Snp 1.8 · More
4. Dhammapada 186
"Even if it were raining money, you'd not be sated in sensual pleasures. An astute person understands that sensual pleasures offer little gratification and much suffering."
Dhammapada 186
5. Dhammapada 290
"If by giving up material happiness one sees abundant happiness, the attentive would give up material happiness, seeing the abundant happiness."
Dhammapada 290
All quotes are from the early Buddhist texts in Bhikkhu Sujato's translation on SuttaCentral, copied exactly. Last checked: 18 October 2026.
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What did the Buddha say about contentment?
'Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth' (Dhammapada 204).